Feb. 28, 2009
Samford vs. Pittsburgh Final Stats
Samford vs. Michigan State Final Stats
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. ---- Through frigid temperatures and nasty weather, the Magic City Classic finally got underway Saturday at the Shea Softball Complex in Irondale, Ala. Samford was scheduled to play three games during the day but played only two, dropping a morning meeting with Pittsburgh, 7-1, and an afternoon game with Michigan State, 13-6.
Due to the cold temperatures and impossible playing conditions, the final games of the day were brought to a close. Samford was only able to play one and one half innings with Northern Illinois before officials decided to call the game.
Weather permitting, Samford will resume play Sunday afternoon at 1 p.m. CT in a game against Alabama State. Because the forecast calls for possible snow, coaches and officials will make a decision at 7 a.m. on Sunday. Check the Magic City Classic Tournament Central page or www.samfordsports.com for any cancellations.
Amanda Barrs pitched six whole innings against Pittsburgh, striking out three batters and walking seven. She gave up seven earned runs on 10 hits in 34 batters faced.
Pittsburgh scored its first six runs after back-to-back triples in the second inning. Samford got on the board in the fifth inning after Fisher scored on an error by the Panthers' right fielder. Pitt then scored the final run of the game in the bottom of the sixth to seal the Panther victory.
In the Bulldogs' second game of the day, Samford took on Michigan State amidst a swirling cold mist. After two scoreless innings on both sides, the Spartans put up five runs in the top of the third. However, Samford answered back with four of its on in the bottom of the inning.
After Rachael Reeves and Amy Gonzalez were walked, they were put in scoring position on a wild pitch before Jessica Owens singled to left field to bring in Reeves. Kristy Lawrence then flied out to right field and Gonzalez scored. Barrs came to back and flied out to center field, bringing Owens home for the third Samford run. Then Katie England stepped up to bat and hit a homerun, cutting the Spartan lead to one (5-4).
The Spartans answered back, though, scoring one more in the fourth inning and two in the sixth before setting off a five-run rally in the top of the seventh inning to go ahead 13-4. Samford tried to fight back in the bottom of the inning.
With one out, Whitney Terry and Reeves were walked before Gonzalez singled to left field. With the bases loaded, Owens came to the plate and was walked which brought Terry home. Lawrence reached first base on a fielder's choice which brought Reeves in, but Owens was thrown out at second base. The comeback was not enough as the Spartans went on to win, 13-6.
