HUNTSVILLE, Texas – Missouri State softball (17-21, 5-11 CUSA) dropped the opening game of the series at Sam Houston (26-18, 10-6 CUSA) on Friday night by a score of 5-0.
 
Sam Houston struck first with a single run in the bottom of the first inning as a single and stolen base set up an RBI double for the Bearkats. After a quiet second for both squads, Sam Houston added a second run with a solo homer in the third to lead 2-0.
 
Missouri State had its best scoring opportunity of the night in the top of the fourth inning as Riley Baber led the frame off with a single to left field. Mya January came on to pinch run for Baber and later ended up at third base following a sacrifice bunt, pop up and wild pitch. Unfortunately, with two outs the Bears weren't able to push the run across as a ground out ended the inning.
 
After sitting the Bears down in order on strikeouts in the top of the fifth, Sam Houston added two insurance runs, the first coming on an error on the throw home following a single to center field and the second coming across courtesy of a squeeze bunt. The Bearkats added their fifth run in the sixth inning on another solo home run to push the game to 5-0 as Missouri State was shut out in the series opener.
 
Riley Baber recorded both of Missouri State's hits on the night as the Bears' offense was stifled, striking out nine times as a squad.
 
The Bears will look to even the series tomorrow in Huntsville. First pitch for game two of the series is set for 3:00 p.m.