Softball splits day one at Leadoff Classic

Friday, February 26

Columbus, Ga.

11:00 AM

Southern Illinois University

9-2

Mississippi Valley State

3-4

Team	1	2	3	4	5	Runs R	Hits H	Errors E
Miss. Valley State	0	0	0	0	0	0	3	1
Southern Illinois	3	2	2	1	0	8	8	0

02/26/2010 | 12:00:00 | Softball

Box Score

Feb. 26, 2010

Box Score

Florida State Box Score

By Beth Miller
www.SIUSalukis.com

COLUMBUS, Ga. - The Southern Illinois softball team split on the first day of the National Fastpitch Coaches Association Leadoff Classic in Columbus, Ga. The Salukis defeated the Mississippi Valley State Devilettes in five innings with an 8-0 run-ruled win.

Southern Illinois then found themselves on the other side of a run-ruled game, dropping their contest to No. 18/22 Florida State, 9-1. The loss to Seminoles put SIU at 9-3 on the season, while FSU improved to 12-2.

Southern Illinois 8 Mississippi Valley State 0 (5)

Southern Illinois set the tone in the bottom of the first inning, grabbing a 3-0 lead over MVSU to start the game. The Salukis went on to score in each inning, earning an 8-0 run-ruled win.

Sophomore shortstop Haley Gorman drew the first of seven walks for the Salukis, followed by a stolen base to put her on second. Mallory Duran came to the plate, drawing another walk followed by a fielder's choice from Alicia Garza to put Gorman in scoring position. Senior Allie Hanson hit an RBI single, bringing in Gorman for SIU's early 1-0 lead.

With the bases loaded in the bottom of the first junior outfielder Chelsea Held drew her first walk of the game, allowing another runner to score. Held was walked all three times at the plate against MVSU, tying her career high.

Yet another walk, this time from first baseman Corinna Gonzalez, would put another run on the board for the Salukis, ending the first inning with a 3-0 lead.

Garza and Gorman occupied second and third in the second inning, with Natalee Weissinger up to bat. Weissinger singled then advanced on the throw, allowing enough time for Garza and Gorman to score on the play.

Up 5-0 heading into the third inning, the Salukis put two more runs on the board for a 7-0 lead, one run away from ending the game in five innings. Held was walked for the third time in the fourth inning, then proceeded to steal second with senior outfielder Katie Wilson up to bat. Wilson gave SIU the 8-0 lead they were looking for with an RBI single to drive in Held, ending the game in five innings.

Junior Alex Peters (3-1) earned the win for Southern Illinois, with no runs, no errors and only three hits. The Crowder College transfer allowed only one walk while striking out seven at the plate. Peters has now pitched 14 consecutive scoreless innings, and is currently on a three-game winning streak.

"We played very well and I thought Alex pitched extremely well," head coach Kerri Blaylock said. "She threw a lot of strikes and got ahead in the count. I was most pleased that we scored in every inning. I thought we were very tough offensively."

Gorman went 2-for-2 from the plate, with one hit, one RBI and three runs. Her three runs against MVSU ties her career best, which was set on Feb. 19, 2010 against Middle Tennessee State. Weissinger also went a perfect 2-for-2, earning one hit.

This marks the third time this season the Salukis have earned a run-ruled win over an opponent. SIU shut down No. 20/24 UMass and Alabama State so far this season.

No. 18/22 Florida State 9 Southern Illinois 1 (5)

Florida State's offense proved to be too much for the Salukis, as they battled against the Seminoles, but fell 9-1 in five innings.

With the bases loaded and one out in the bottom of the first inning, Danielle Glosson struck out Seminole shortstop Ashley Stager followed by an impressive catch by Alicia Garza to end the inning, holding FSU scoreless.

Florida State got on the board in the bottom of the second inning, grabbing a 3-0 lead over the Salukis. SIU had a chance to take the lead in the top of the third with bases loaded, but were unable to get on the board.

The Seminoles put up two more runs in the bottom of the third inning, as freshman pitcher Brittney Lang took the mound. The Salukis fought hard but were unable stop Florida State as they gained an 8-0 lead heading into the fourth.

"I wish it would not have gotten out of control," Blaylock said. "I think we could have kept it close. We don't usually walk that many people and put as many people on base. I thought offensively we attacked Terese Gorber. She has a .21 ERA and she's letting opponents hit .061 against her. She's a great pitcher."

The Salukis got runners on first and second in the fifth inning, looking to break the Seminoles 9-0 lead. With Morgan Barchan at first and Gorman occupying second, Garza hit a line drive to left center, driving in Gorman to put SIU on the board, 9-1. Although SIU was able to avoid a shutout, it was not enough to spawn a comeback.

SIU snapped a seven-game winning streak with their loss against Florida State. Glosson was handed the loss, now 5-2 on the season, while FSU's Gorber earned the win improving to 7-1.

The Salukis look forward to tomorrow as they prepare to face No. 4 Michigan at 10 a.m. CT and Auburn at 3 p.m. CT.

"Tomorrow is a new day," Blaylock said. "We are 9-3, which is very good so far on the season. We just can't let games get out of control. We have to understand that we can keep games close with the opportunity to win."