Texas State associate head coach Cat Osterman made two appearances for Team USA during a three-game series against Scrap Yard Fast Pitch, an independent women's professional softball team, last week in Lafayette, Lousiana.
The national team picked up a 6-0 win in the first matchup on Tuesday. Osterman received the starting nod in game two, pitching for three innings. Osterman surrendered five hits, three walks, and three earned runs during her time in the circle and was relieved with Scrap Yard leading 3-0. Team USA took the lead with a four-run frame in the top of the fifth, but its opponents jumped back in front with two scores in the bottom of the sixth to take the victory, 5-4.
Osterman got another opportunity the next day, stepping onto the field in the top of the fourth inning with her team up, 1-0. She threw 40 pitches over the next two frames, allowing just one walk while stifling Scrap Yard with no hits and three strikeouts. Team USA went on to win the game, 1-0, and the series, 2-1.
The two teams began a three-game rematch on Sunday, with Osterman picking up another start. The pitcher fanned five batters while giving up three hits, two walks and one earned run in four innings of work and received the win, leading Team USA to a 7-2 victory.
Game two of the series took place on Monday at 7 p.m. and ended after press time. Game three is set to begin Tuesday at 7 p.m. Following the end of their exhibition with Scrap Yard, Osterman and Team USA will head to Lima, Peru for the Pan American Games. The team is set to face Mexico in its opening match on Aug. 4 at 1 p.m.
