April 23, 2009
Box Score
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. ---- The Samford softball team took its midweek contest against cross-town rival UAB Thursday night by a score of 3-1. Freshman infielder Amy Gonzalez sealed the deal for the Bulldogs with her first career home run to drive in the Samford's final two runs.
"That was really one of our best games of the year," Samford head coach Beanie Ketcham said. "We hit, we had great pitching, we played defense. What more can you ask for?"
Samford (16-25, 8-13 SoCon) was led by Gonzalez who went 2-for-2 on the night while Kylie Harmon, Aaren Fisher, Kristy Lawrence, Robyn Harmon and Amanda Jordan all walked away with one hit. Kylie Harmon posted Samford's third RBI on the evening.
Freshman pitcher Robyn Harmon (1-1) pitched her first complete game and grabbed her first career win as she posted two strike outs and gave up just one earned run on eight hits. Her defensedbback her up big time as Lawrence and Gonzalez led with seven and four putouts, respectively.
UAB (18-30, 6-15 C-USA) was led by catcher Mandy Lowman who went a perfect 3-for-3 at the plate while the designated player Kayla Harris was 2-for-3, driving in the Blazers' only run. Amanda Allen and Laura Callaway also logged a hit each.
Lindsey Croft (6-17) pitched six full innings, striking out seven batters. She gave up three earned runs on eight hits and walked two.
The Bulldogs plated their first run in the bottom of the third inning when Kylie Harmon singled to left field with one out to bring in Gonzalez who was on second base while Harmon advanced to second base on the throw. The Bulldogs were able to get just one more hit in the inning when Fisher singled to the shortstop, but UAB retired the next two batters on a pop-up and a strikeout.
Samford added two more in the bottom of the four when Gonzalez homered with a runner on and two outs to bring in Robyn Harmon and score the winning run herself.
UAB got on the board in the top of the fifth when Harris doubled with one on and one out to bring in Lowman. However, the Bulldogs played great defense and kept the Blazers in check and soon retired their last batter of the night.
Samford will be back in action this weekend as the Bulldogs host Elon in their final home series of the year. The Bulldogs and Phoenix will play a doubleheader on Saturday, beginning at 1 p.m. CT, and a single game on Sunday at 1 p.m. Samford will also honor is three seniors - Kylie Harmon, Kristy Lawrence and Jessica Owens - prior to first pitch on Sunday.
