HUNTSVILLE, Texas- Stephen F. Austin defeated Sam Houston 5-2 in Saturday’s rubber match. SFA improves to 21-19 (9-6 WAC) while SHSU falls to 16-29 (7-8 WAC).
The scoring began in the top of the second inning when Lexi Benson stepped up to the plate and blasted a pitch over the right field fence to put the ‘Jacks up 1-0. In the third, Mackenzie Bennett singled through the left side as the dangerous Benson entered the batter’s box. Benson once again smoked another home run to right field to extend SFA’s lead, 3-0. SFA tacked on two more in the fifth inning after Bennett hit a single through the right side which scored Camryn Middlebrook and Gaby Garcia, 5-0. Sam Houston scored two in the bottom of the seventh, but the ‘Jacks quickly shut the door on a possible comeback.
Bennett and Benson accounted for all of the runs brought in and tied for the lead with two hits each. This was Benson’s second game with two home runs this season, she joins teammate Garcia as the only ‘Jacks with multiple two home run games. Brooke Gainous pitched her ninth complete game of the season as she allowed three hits and two runs on 94 pitches.SFA will be back in action next weekend as they hit the road to Abilene to face the Wildcats. The first game of the series is scheduled for Friday, April 21st at 6:00 p.m.