HUNTSVILLE, Texas – Missouri State softball (18-22, 6-12 CUSA) dropped the series finale at Sam Houston (27-19, 11-7) by a score of 9-1 in six innings on Sunday afternoon.
 
Despite a dominant performance in yesterday's game, the Bears couldn't get the big hit when they needed it on Sunday. Missouri State threatened early, stranding two on base in the top of the first.
 
Sam Houston broke through in the bottom of the first loading the bases with no outs to lead off the frame. Mo State limited the damage to just one run via a sacrifice fly to trail 1-0 after one. The Bearkats added two more in the second inning after a single and hit by pitch later led to a two-RBI triple as Sam Houston took a 3-0 lead.
 
Mo State found something in the top of the third, knocking three consecutive one-out singles to load the bases. After a fly out put two outs on the board, Lauren Rowland knocked an RBI single into shallow right field to give the Bears their first run of the day. Unfortunately, the Bears didn't inflict further damage as a ground out left the bases loaded.
 
After scoreless innings for both teams in the fourth and fifth, the Bearkats exploded with a six-run sixth inning, all coming with two outs on the scoreboard. The Bearkats took advantage of five free passes and three wild pitches, while also tallying three hits and executing a double steal to push six runs across to run-rule the Bears, 9-1.
 
Brynn Romine led the way for Missouri State with two hits on the afternoon, while Rowland drove in Mo State's only run of the day. Mo State only struck out three times on the afternoon, but Sam Houston retired 10 straight Bears to end the game.
 
Missouri State is back in action next week with a midweek matchup at Tulsa on Wednesday, April 15. First pitch is set for 5:00 p.m. and the game will stream on ESPN+.