April 6, 2008

Box Score

Erie, Pa. - Despite outhitting Ashland 11-7 in the opening game, the Mercyhurst softball team only managed to scratch together one run in losing the opening game of a GLIAC doubleheader 2-1 Sunday. The Lakers managed just two hits in game two, losing 4-0 to the Eagles.

Ashland pitcher Logan Hursey gave up 10 hits over the first six innings but managed to wriggle out of jams numerous times. Shannon Gray came on to pitch the seventh inning, giving up one more hit, and recorded her first save of the year. All 11 Mercyhurst hits were singles and the Lakers were unable to put together more than two hits in any inning except the third.

Trailing 1-0 in the bottom of the third, Mercyhurst tied the game with three hits in the frame. Elizabeth Maier opened with a single and stole second, her 12th stolen base of the year. Megan Houston followed with an RBI single to tie the score at 1-1 but was thrown out trying to advance to second after the play at the plate.

Neither team got on the scoreboard again until Ashland put together a walk, sacrifice bunt and RBI single for the game-winning score. The Lakers tried to rally in the bottom of the seventh as Danielle Zubek opened with a single and moved to second on a sacrifice bunt, but she was thrown out at third on a ground ball that ended the rally threat.

Carrina Crow was the tough-luck loser, scattering seven hits over seven innings and allowing two earned runs. She had won three consecutive decisions before the loss dropped her record to 8-5 on the year.

In game two, Mercyhurst's Kari Amboyer got her first career start on the mound and went the first 2 1/3 innings, allowing three hits and one earned run. That was all the support Ashland needed as Shannon Gray went seven innings, allowing just two hits, as the Mercyhurst bats went quiet. Gray retired the final 17 batters in order.

Ashland added three more runs off of reliever Amanda Norman before Brittany Strier came on to pitch one perfect inning for the Lakers. Jessica McNurlen had the only extra base hit of the day for Mercyhurst, banging a double in the first inning.

Ashland improves to 13-11 on the year and 4-4 in GLIAC play as Mercyhurst falls to 14-18 overall and 1-7 in the GLIAC. The Lakers will play at Gannon Wednesday at 3 p.m. for a conference doubleheader. The two teams split a non-conference doubleheader earlier this year.