The Houston softball team opened the 2015 season with a record-setting performance.
The Lady Tigers scored 26 times – eclipsing the previous team record by two runs – as they defeated Stoutland 26-16 in six innings Friday on Carter Field.
Tori McCloud led the offensive charge by going 3-for-3 with three RBIs. Kaitlyn Root also knocked in three runs, and Stephani Crewse had four RBIs.
Abbey Slocum, who stole three bases, and Taylor Chipps, scored four runs apiece.
Houston’s 26 runs topped the previous mark of 24 set twice during 2013 season. The Lady Tigers opened that year with a 24-9 win against Stoutland and later had a 24-10 road victory at Cabool.
HHS (1-0) scored 13 times in the first inning – highlighted by a pair of RBIs from Crewse and Root’s two-run single – and led 18-5 after three innings.
Stoutland managed to close the gap to two runs at 18-16 before the Lady Tigers scored eight times in the sixth inning to end the game.
Houston was aided by 17 walks and stole 10 bases. McCloud and Shelby Cremer, who had three hits and scored three times, had two steals apiece.
McCloud was the complete-game winner. She struck out five, walked eight and allowed nine hits.