May 1, 2011

Box Score

GREENSBORO, N.C. ---- UNC Greensboro used a sixth inning home run to snap a 2-2 tie and complete the series sweep of the Samford softball team Sunday afternoon in the series finale in Greensboro, N.C.

After four scoreless innings, UNCG (24-27, 10-11 SoCon) finally got on the board with two runs in the bottom of the fifth inning but Samford (11-37, 7-14 SoCon) answered back with two of its own in the top of the sixth. However, the Spartans sealed the win with a home run in the bottom of the sixth before retiring the Bulldogs in order in the top of the seventh.

Samford rattled of its first hit in the top of the first when Robyn Harmon doubled with two outs, but the Bulldogs could not bring her home as Amanda Jordan fouled out to end the inning. UNCG also had a chance to score a run in the first inning, with a lead-off single by April Langley who advanced to second base on a sacrifice bunt and to third on a throwing error by Samford shortstop Jordan. However, Kaitlin Merkt flied out to end the inning and both teams were left looking for runs.

The second, third and fourth innings flew by as each team retired the side in order, three up and three down. It was not until the fifth inning that either team got a base runner. Whitney Terry reached base with two outs after being hit by a pitch in the top of the fifth, but Alex Adams lined out to center field for the third out of the inning.

UNCG then started the scoring in the bottom of the inning when Eileen Horsmon hit a two-run home run to center field. Samford answered back with two runs of its own in the bottom of the inning. Arica Dykes led off the inning with a single before advancing to second on a ground out by Kayla Shaffer. Brianna Chambers walked, and then Harmon singled up the middle to drive in Dykes and advance Chambers to third.

After a UNCG pitching change, Jordan grounded out to second base to move Harmon to third and drive in Chambers to tie the game. However, in the bottom of the sixth inning, Alex Emeterio homered with two outs to give the Spartans a one-run advantage, and UNCG retired Samford in order in the top of the seventh to seal the victory.

Harmon led the Bulldogs, going 2-for-3 with one RBI while Dykes was 1-for-3 with a run scored. Chambers also scored a run while Jordan had an RBI. Nicole Bobrowski (2-10) took the loss, giving up three earned runs on four hits in six complete innings.

Four different Spartans each accounted for one of UNCG's four hits including Langley, Emeterio, Jordan Jewett and Horsmon. Emeterio, Robb and Horsmon also each scored a run while Emeterio had an RBI and Horsmon had two RBI.

Cory Mattson started the game and pitched 5.1 innings for UNCG, giving up two earned runs on three hits while striking out four batters and walking one. Raeanne Hanks (7-3) earned her second win in relief on the weekend, pitching the final 1.2 innings of the game and striking out two batters.

The Bulldogs return home this week where they will play four games in four days to wrap up the regular season. Samford will take on Mississippi State in a non-conference match up that will serve as a makeup game for both squads. First pitch is at 4 p.m. at Bulldog Field. The Bulldogs will then host College of Charleston Thursday and Friday for their final league series of the regular season.