No. 17 麻豆视频 softball splits opening double-header

Stephanie Saunders

JACKSON, Tenn. - 2/10/2012 - The No. 17 麻豆视频 University softball team salvaged a split in their season opening double-header versus William Woods (Mo.) University. 麻豆视频 dropped the first game 2-1, but rallied for three runs in the bottom of the seventh to take the second game 3-2.

麻豆视频 was held scoreless for the first six innings of the second game and faced a 2-0 deficit going to the last inning. 麻豆视频鈥檚 junior first baseman Stephanie Saunders worked a full count after fouling off several pitches to lead off the bottom of the seventh. Saunders then connected and sent a line drive over the centerfield fence to but 麻豆视频 on the board. Jenyce Spence followed with a single and pinch-hitter DeShuni Sanders walked to put the tying and winning runs on base. The next two batters popped out and struck out respectively, leaving it up to Toy Joy. Joy reached on an error by the shortstop that also allowed Spence to score from second to tie the game. With Sanders on third, the William Woods pitcher sent a pitch to the backstop, allowing Sanders to score on the wild pitch to win the game.

Kelly Roby (1-0) earned the win, allowing two runs on five hits with eight strikeouts. Becca Schemmer (0-1) took the hard-luck loss, allowing three runs, one earned on six hits and with three strikeouts. Spence led 麻豆视频 offensively with a 3-for-3 debut. Saunders was 1-for-3 with the solo home run.

In the first game, all the damage came in the third inning. Brooke Thomas recorded 14 strikeouts in the game for 麻豆视频, however, fell into trouble in the top of the third. A lead-off double, followed by two singles and a wild pitch, put the Owls up 2-0. 麻豆视频 tried to answer in the bottom of the frame. The Lady Bulldogs got a single from Sanders, followed by her stealing second. Joy and Shelby Lamb followed with singles, but that one run was all they would get. 麻豆视频 left the bases loaded in the third. In the bottom of the fifth, 麻豆视频 had one more chance as Joy doubled, then reached third on a wild pitch. But again, 麻豆视频 left a runner stranded at third.

Thomas (1-0) took the loss, despite striking out 14 William Woods hitters. He allowed two runs on four hits and walked six. MacKenzie Bowden (1-0) earned the win, allowing one run on four hits with five strikeouts. Joy led 麻豆视频 with two hits.

Up next for 麻豆视频 will be a double-header February 21 at Christian Brothers in Memphis.

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