April 25, 2010

Box Score

ELON, N.C. ---- The Samford softball team dropped its series closer at Elon Sunday by a score of 8-4. The Bulldogs fall to 14-29 overall and 5-13 in Southern Conference play while Elon improves to 33-14 overall and 15-6 in league play.

Samford jumped out to a 1-0 lead right out of the gate when Alex Adams doubled to right-center field with two outs to drive in Aaren Fisher from first base. However, Elon would answer back in the bottom of the inning and put up four runs of its own.

Jackie Gonzalez led off the first inning for the Phoenix with a double down the left field line. Hannah Shelton then walked before Gonzalez stole third, and then Tomeka Watson reached on a fielder's choice while Gonzalez scored to tie the score at one. With two runners on and one out, Erin O'Shea homered to center field to clear the bases and put Elon up, 4-1.

Samford scored its second run in the top of the fifth inning when Amanda Barrs singled with runners on second and third to drive in Katie England. However, Elon answered back with one run in the bottom of the inning when O'Shea singled with the bases loaded to put the Phoenix up, 5-2.

Anna Kimbrell homered to lead off the sixth inning and get the Bulldogs within two runs. Then Barrs doubled with runners on first and second to drive in Fisher and cut Elon's lead to 5-4. But the Phoenix secured their lead in the bottom of the sixth inning with a two-run single by Lauren Taylor and a RBI single by Watson to extend their lead to 8-4.

Kimbrell led the Bulldogs, going 3-for-3 with one run and one RBI. Adams was 2-for-3 with an RBI and Barrs was 2-for-4 with two RBI while Amy Gonzalez, Kayla Shaffer and Rachael Reeves each had a hit for Samford.

Stephanie Royall (7-8) took the loss and gave up four earned runs on four hits in four innings of play. She struck out six batters and walked only one. Kayla Burris pitched the final two innings for Samford, giving up two earned runs on six hits with one walk and two strikeouts.

Gonzalez led the Phoenix with a 3-for-3 performance at the plate followed by O'Shea who was 2-for-4 and Taylor who was 2-for-2. O'Shea had four RBI while Watson and Taylor each had two RBI.

O'Shea (15-5) also earned the win in the pitcher's circle for Elon. She gave up just one earned run on five hits while striking out four batters and walking three. Taylor pitched the last three innings, giving up two earned runs on three hits while recording two strikeouts and walking one.

The Bulldogs are back in action Wednesday as they continue their seven-game road swing at in-state rival Jacksonville State. Samford will return to league play Saturday as it heads to Western Carolina for a weekend series.