MEMPHIS, Tenn. - Leatherneck softball lost two on the second day of the Blues City Classic. The first was a 2-0 loss to Miami-Ohio and the second a ten-inning battle 8-7 to tournament host Memphis. Western Illinois now stands at 4-8 on the year.
Miami-Ohio 2, Western Illinois Softball 0
February 25, 2012 - 11:15 a.m.
Western Illinois fell in game one of the day 2-0 to Miami of Ohio. Despite out-hitting the Redhawks 4-2, four costly Leatherneck errors allowed scoring opportunities.
The first run came early in the top of the first. A Redhawk triple and a walk put runners at first and third. An error on a first and third play allowed the run to score making it 1-0.
The Leathernecks threatened in the bottom of the fourth when designated hitter Teagan Walsh doubled off the left center wall and advanced to third on an errant pick-off attempt. However, a ground out and fly out left her stranded.
Miami of Ohio tallied another run in the fifth. The lead off runner reached on an error, stole second and reached third on a wild pitch. A wild pitch allowed the runner to score from third giving the Redhawks the 2-0 lead.
A bottom of the seventh rally ended on a line-out double play ending the comeback attempt for the Leathernecks and the game.
Kelsey Michelini took the loss in the circle evening her record to 3-3 on the season. Paige Myers takes the win with Jessica Simpson earning the save for the Redhawks. Four players earned hits for the Leathernecks.
Memphis 8, Western Illinois Softball 7 (10 innings)
February 25, 2012 - 1:30 p.m.
The Leathernecks started scoring in the first frame of game two of the day against tournament host Memphis. Sammy Marshall reached on an error to lead off then swiped second and third. Back to back singles by Jamie Goss and Ashley Campbell were good for a 2-0 lead.
In the bottom of the first, Morgan Mosby smacked a leadoff solo homerun to put the Tigers on the board 2-1 before three ground outs could ended the inning.
Western Illinois picked up where they left off offensively in the second, plating three runs and extending their lead 5-1. KC Dunne reached on an error and Briana Williams walked putting two on for Marshall who earned a bunt single. An error on the play allowed the runners to advance and Dunne to score. A Meg Kelly double to left center brought in the final two runs of the inning.
A walk, single and fielder's choice in the bottom of the second plated another Tiger run making the score 3-2.
Following scoreless third and fourth innings, the Memphis bats came alive in the bottom of the fifth knotting the score at five with three runs on five hits, all of which were singles.
When both teams failed to plate a run in the sixth or seventh to break the 5-5 tie, extra innings ensued triggering the international tie rule which allows the final out of the previous inning to start at second base until a winner is determined.
Following a scoreless eighth, Western Illinois put two runs up in the top of the ninth. Dunne began at second and was moved to third via a Williams sacrifice bunt. Marshall followed it up with a bunt single and advanced to second on the play. Jarrell brought Dunne in with a sacrifice fly to left. Goss plated the second run of the inning with a single to left scoring Marshall.
Memphis fought back in the second frame scoring two runs on two hits and an error, forcing a tenth inning where the Tigers were able to keep the Leathernecks off the board. A walk-off single ended the game 8-7.
Michelini started on the mound but left the game during a tie, giving the loss to Hailey Bickford who falls to 1-5 on the year.
Four Leathernecks recorded multiple hits in the game and Goss led the way with two RBI. Marshall stole three bases in the game giving her 17 total on the year.
Western Illinois plays their final game of the Blues City Classic on Sunday (Feb. 26) against Missouri State at 11 a.m.
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