Southern Illinois University
Mississippi
Viefhaus Hits Game-Winning Single
06/21/2001 | 12:00:00 | Softball
May 2, 2001
Cape Girardeau, Mo.--Senior centerfielder Marta Viefhaus hit a game-winning single with two out in the bottom of the seventh inning to give Southern Illinois University a 2-1 win over SEC foe Mississippi (18-40) Wednesday in non-league action at Southeast Softball Complex.
Viefhaus, who was batting just .190 prior to Wednesday's contest, drove Holly Burris' 1-2 delivery to left field driving home Julie Meier for the game's winning run.
After both team's came up empty through the first four innings of play, Meier drew a walk to open the Saluki fifth. On the following pitch, Ole Miss catcher Jennifer Poore snap threw to first in attempt to get Meier, but second baseman Desiree Layman was called for obstruction after she blocked the bag. Rebel head coach Candi Letts was then ejected from the game for arguing the call.
When the game resumed following Letts departure, Meier was then SAC bunted over to second by Tara Glasco and advanced to third on an error by shortstop Amanda Lehotak before a pinch hit single to center by Elissa Hopkins gave SIU a 1-0 lead.
The Rebels struck back in the top of the sixth when a lead off single by Amber Slaton put the tying run on. Lehotak then reached on a fielder's choice which was fielded by Meier, but no throw was made as everyone was safe. Following a Britte Hardy strikeout, Poore then singled to advance Slaton to third before Burris would tie the game at 1-1 on a sacrifice fly to left.
After Ole Miss came up empty in the top of the seventh Meier ripped a double down the left field line to put the winning run on with no one out. Amanda Rexroat then SAC bunted Meier safely to third. Tara Glasco then fouled out to second before Viefhaus smacked Burris' third pitch to left field to clinch the 2-1 win.
Meier went 2-for-3 with a double and two runs scored to lead the Salukis as her two-base hit marked her sixth of the season. Erin Stremsterfer picked up the win on the mound to improve to 27-7 on the year. She went the distance striking out 11 batters while being touched for six hits.
SIU, now 35-15 on the season, will conclude its 2001 regular season on Friday-Saturday, May 4-5 when the Salukis head to Omaha, Neb., to face Creighton. Both teams' final three-game MVC set will begin with a single game on Friday at 5 p.m., before concluding with a doubleheader at noon on Saturday.
