The Texas Longhorns returned to winning ways Saturday after a one-game detour in Lubbock. The combination of back-to-back shutouts and 14 runs scored over two games was more then enough to boost the Longhorns (18-12-2, 4-1 Big 12) over Iowa State Saturday.
The Texas offense wasted no time in game one, driving to an early lead on the back of a Tallie Thrasher two-run home run in the top of the first inning. That was all the offense senior pitcher Meagan Denny (13-4) would need on route to her sixth complete game shutout of the season.
The Longhorns added five more in the third, with second baseman Kelly Melone driving in three runs, and posted a 10-0 advantage by the end of the fifth inning, bringing the game to an early ending.
"I thought we were exceptional mentally today, and I think that being mentally focused is the key for this team and has been over the last couple of weeks," coach Connie Clark said. "The team really took it upon itself to come out and have a very good mental and physical outing against Iowa State."
The second half of Saturday's double header was closer, but the Longhorns again rode a dominant pitching performance to victory. Freshman Brittany Barnhill was the star this time, recording her first career complete shutout in college softball. Loryn Johnson led the offense with two hits and one RBI, while outfielder Brittany Chalk added her third RBI of the series in a 4-0 win.
"Today they [Denny and Barnhill] were tremendous bearing down and trusting their stuff," Clark said. "[Catcher] Kacie Gaskin was very helpful today helping both pitchers mix things up and not allowing any walks."
The offensive explosion on Saturday also continued a trend of success at the plate in Big 12 play. In Texas' five conference games, it has scored four runs or more in every game. In game two on Saturday, solo home runs from Chalk, Johnson and freshman pinch hitter Shelby Savony propelled the offense. Earlier, second baseman Kelly Melone and designated player Thrasher each recorded three RBI to lead a balanced Longhorn attack.
"We challenged the team to put together a complete game with good offense, defense and pitching this weekend," Clark said.
They responded.
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