TEMPE, Ariz. – After being subbed out in the first inning after reaching base, senior infielder Aiyana Coleman returned to action in the fourth inning with a runner on second.

Coleman had already made a name for herself in the Kajikawa Classic, hitting a walk-off home run against Northwestern the previous day.

With her team up 8-7, Coleman swung and hammered one deep to straightaway center that went over for a two-run home run, her second of the young season.

Coleman’s home run was the eventual game-winning run, as the Texas State Bobcats (2-1) defeated the Memphis Tigers (2-1) 13-8 in a high-scoring affair on the third day of the Bill Kajikawa Classic at Farrington Field on Saturday, Feb. 7.

The Bobcats found themselves in a hole early, as Memphis exploded in the first inning scoring four runs. The highlight was junior Taniyah Brown hitting a fence-clearer to center before the Tigers added one more.

But Texas State responded quickly. Memphis freshman pitcher Taylor Caton struggled with command and the Bobcats used a two-run double by junior Kate Bubela, a sacrifice fly and a double-steal to take the lead before the inning ended.

Texas State extended its lead to 7-4 before Memphis tied it in the third inning. Senior catcher Karmyn Bass gave the Bobcats the lead an inning later and Coleman extended it to three with her home run – a lead that would never be vanquished.

Despite allowing eight runs, Texas State was unable to get long innings from its bullpen.

Senior Emma Strood got the nod, but allowed four runs in the first inning, which ended up being her only inning in the circle.

In her relief was senior right-hander Analisa Soliz making her season debut. Although she was not locking down the Tigers, she gave the Bobcats five innings in her arsenal, lasting until the seventh and final inning.

On the other hand, Memphis faced more struggles with the three pitchers it used.

Caton pitched just the first inning, allowing five runs before being pulled early.

Freshman Avery Stutts made her second appearance in as many days, pitching a solid third inning. However, by the time the fourth inning approached, Texas State players were starting to get lots of velocity on their hits, and Coleman’s two-run home run put the game out of reach, as Memphis was never able to recover.

The four-run first inning from Memphis was a familiar sight, as the team did the same the previous day against Toledo. Similar to today, the Rockets tied it up at 7, but Memphis was able to get separation thanks to lockdown pitching.

However, the Tigers were not able to see the same success today.

As the tournament is in its third day, both teams move to 2-1 on the season. Memphis played Toledo before the game and was cut short, but it finished in a climactic moment. The game was tied at six and the bases were loaded with two outs. 

Since Memphis had led before the inning began, it was rewarded with a 6-4 win.

Texas State finishes up the invitation shortly, playing Northwestern at 4 p.m. MST on Saturday at Farrington Stadium. The Bobcats will look to finish the tournament with a winning record.

The Tigers’ final game will be on Sunday, Feb. 8, as they play Arizona State, the hosts of the invitational, at 12:45 p.m. MST.