19th-Ranked Aggies Drop 4-3 Decision to Houston

Wednesday, April 20

Houston, Texas

6:30 PM

Texas A&M

33-12

Houston

32-14

Texas A&M

Houston

Apr 20, 2011 | Softball

Box Score

By: Texas A&M Athletics

April 20, 2011

Final Stats

HOUSTON, Texas - Senior Rhi Kliesing was three-for-four as the No. 19 Texas A&M softball team (33-12, 5-4 Big 12) dropped a 4-3 decision to Houston (32-14), Wednesday in front of a record crowd at Cougar Softball Complex.

"That's a game that we ought to come away with the win," head coach Jo Evans said. "Credit to Houston - they obviously scored one more run than we did, but I thought we did some really stupid things out there tonight. We took ourselves out of some innings and did too much in some situations."

A two-run long ball in the top of the first by sophomore Mel Dumezich gave the Aggies an early 2-0 lead. Kliesing singled to reach first before Dumezich, playing second base for A&M, sent a bomb over the fence in right field.

The Cougars responded with a big third inning, taking a 4-2 lead in the home half. Freshman Haley Outon scored first on a throwing error that was an attempted pickoff. With runners on the corners, Melissa Gregson homered to center, picking up three RBI as Houston took the lead.

A pair of singles couldn't boost the Aggies in the top of the fifth. Quick-footed freshman Emily Albus led off with a single to the shortstop, beating the throw for an infield base hit. The designated player was thrown out on a fielder's choice before Kliesing singled to left field. The first baseman was left stranded in the inning.

Narrowing the gap to 3-4 in the top of the sixth, junior Kelsea Orsak sent an RBI base hit up the middle. The single scored senior Andrea Tovar, pinch running for freshman Nicole Morgan who drew a walk. The run wasn't enough to take the lead, and the game ended with Houston in a one-run lead.

Redshirt junior Lindsey Sisk (14-5) suffered the loss, fanning five batters in 5 2/3 innings of work while giving up four runs on four hits and walking three. Houston's Donna Bourgeois (12-6) had the win, giving up one run on six hits in 6 1/3 innings, while striking out six and walking three. The Aggies outhit the Cougars, 8-4.

"Lindsey was making pitches, but as a pitcher you have to keep your poise always," Evans said. "We throw the ball into right field and give up a run, but still, you've got two outs. Go at that hitter. I'm sure Lindsey's frustrated. I'm frustrated by those little things. It's a tough one. I liked our fight. It's just that you've got to know the game well enough to know what you can and can't do in certain situations."

This weekend the Aggies travel to Norman to take on No. 15 Oklahoma in a two-game conference series. Game one Friday is slated for a 7 p.m. start, while Saturday's contest is set for 2 p.m. Log on to AggieAthletics.com for more information on Texas A&M softball.