Southern Illinois University
4-4
Wisconsin
3-3
Softball stumbles in day one of Citrus Classic
02/24/2012 | 12:00:00 | Softball
Feb. 24, 2012
By Megan Kramper
SIUSalukis.com
ORLANDO, Fla. - Southern Illinois gave up 16 walks in two games as it fell to Maryland and Wisconsin in day one of the Citrus Classic at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex.
The Salukis (4-4) struggled in the circle in both games as they used all three pitchers in each match-up and couldn't rebound with their offense to open up play with two losses.
"I still believe in this team and I still believe in this pitching staff," Head coach Kerri Blaylock said. "We have thrown them into the fire to some really tough competition and that was our message after today and they know what they have to do to turn it around."
In game one, a costly fifth inning ruined a five run lead as the Salukis fell to Maryland 12-8.
The Salukis took an early lead, capitalizing off a Maryland error in the top of the first, scoring two runs. They added three runs in the third off another error and a Taylor Orsburn two RBI double to lead 5-0 after the third.
The Terps (7-1) would score runs in the third and the fourth while the Salukis added two more in the fifth on an Alicia Junker two out, two RBI double. But a sloppy bottom of the inning allowed Maryland to score nine runs off four hits, three walks, and an error as they built a 11-7 lead and never looked back.
Mallory Duran-Sellers hit her first home run of the season with a one run shot in the sixth, but it didn't help as the Salukis eventually fell 12-8.
Jayna Spivey and Meredith Wilson also added hits in the game. Brittney Lang earned the loss, moving her to 2-1 on the season.
Game two against Wisconsin didn't go the Salukis' way either as they allowed six runs to score in the sixth blowing open the game for a 12-3 run-rule in six innings.
The Badgers jumped out to a 6-0 lead after the fourth but the Salukis would cut the lead to three off a two RBI double from Wilson and RBI single from Kalyn Harker.
A big sixth inning catapulted the Badgers to victory as they scored six runs off two walks, a double, and a hit-by-pitch to run rule the Salukis.
Duran-Sellers and Haley Gorman added two hits a piece as the Salukis had six hits against the Badgers.
Katie Bertelsen picks up the loss as she moves to 2-2 on the season.
"Our offense really set the tone and I think we battled back against Wisconsin and we are working hard everyday to fix the problems we have," Blaylock said. "I told the team I'm going to stick with them and remain positive."
The Salukis are back at it tomorrow as they face No. 25 Florida State at 11:15 a.m. CT and Marshall at 1:30 p.m CT. The game versus the Seminoles can be seen on ESPN3.
Team Stats
Pitching:
W: Darrah,Cassandra (2-2)
L: Bertelsen, Katie (2-2)
Batting:
2B: Massei,Mary 2 ; Massey,Whitney 1 ; Spence,Molly 1
HR: Massey,Whitney 1 ; Spence,Molly 1
RBI: Massei,Mary 4 ; Massey,Whitney 2 ; Spence,Molly 3 ; Peace,Stephanie 1 ; Strange,Maggie 1 ; Mueller,Michelle 1
SH: Massei,Mary 1 ; Strange,Maggie 1
Base Running:
RUNS: Mersch,Marissa 1 ; Massey,Whitney 3 ; Wright,Kendra 1 ; Spence,Molly 2 ; Blackshear,Shannel 1 ; Peace,Stephanie 2 ; Strange,Maggie 1 ; Mueller,Michelle 1
SB: Massei,Mary 1 ; Mersch,Marissa 1 ; Spence,Molly 1
HBP: Powell,Karla 2 ; Mueller,Michelle 1
Batting:
2B: Wilson, Meredith 1
RBI: Wilson, Meredith 1 ; Harker, Kalyn 2
SH: Ashton, Kelsea 1 ; Wilson, Meredith 1
Base Running:
RUNS: Gorman, Haley 1 ; Spivey, Jayna 1 ; Wilson, Meredith 1
HBP: VadeBoncouer, Allie 2 ; Wilson, Meredith 1
