Kissimmee, Fla. – The Lawrence Technological University softball team led 3-2 heading to the top of the seventh of game one versus Doane (Neb.) but the Tigers used a three-run frame for a 5-3 comeback win. In game two, the Blue Devils were tied with the #19 Cougars 1-1 after 2 ½ innings before a four-run third by Saint Xavier helped them open up some breathing room on its way to an 8-1 victory on Monday morning during day two of the spring break trip.
Game One vs Doane
How It Happened:
- The Tigers got on the board first in the top of the second thanks to a 2-out RBI single
- After singles by Morgan James and Callie Tatum, LTU had runners on first and second with one out in the fourth. After a walk loaded the bases, Gloria Su'a came up with a timely 2-out hit through the right side to plate both runners and give the Blue Devils a 2-1 advantage
- Clover Brandt set the Tigers down in order in the fifth but a leadoff single from the 9-hole hitter but things in motion for Doane in the sixth.
- Following an error and a wild pitch that put the tying run on second, LTU calmed down to get within one out of escaping the situation with runners on second and third but a bloop single just over Brandt's outstretch glove knotted the game at two heading to the bottom of the frame
- James singled down the line to begin the inning for LTU before Tatum sacrificed her into scoring position.
- After James advanced to third on a fielding error by the shortstop, Brandt helper her own cause by ripping one back up the middle to put LTU back on top 3-2
- The Tigers threatened right away as a leadoff walk and a stolen base put the tying run on second with no outs in the top of the seventh.
- The next batter hit one down the left field line to bring her around to score before a double to right center put the go ahead runs on second and third.
- Following an intentional walk to load the bases, a dribbler towards first base left the only option being a putout at first as Doane took a 4-3 lead before adding a bases load walk in later in the inning to hold a 5-3 lead heading to LTU's last at-bat.
- The Blue Devils first two batters grounded out to short before a James infield single but the next batter strikeout to prevent any comeback attempt as LTU fell 5-3
Inside the Numbers;
- Clover Brandt went 6 1/3 innings allowing 5 H, 5 R (4 ER) along with 5 BB and 8 Ks as she was saddled with the loss
- LTU outhit Doane (8-5) but left two more runners on base then the Tigers (8-6).
- The freshman James went 3-for-4 with a pair of runs scored while Tatum added a pair of hits (2-for-3) and a run scored as well.
Game Two vs #19 Saint Xavier
How It Happened:
- A pair of errors gave SXU its first run in the bottom of the first inning
- Lily Morrisette was hit by a pitch to start the LTU third and came around to score two batters later off a Larissa Mercado RBI single to center to tie the score at 1-1.
- The Cougars answered with three bunt singles to start the bottom of the frame before a double to right center cleared the bases.
- SXU added one more via a sacrifice fly to deep left as it held a 5-1 lead after three
- The Cougars tacked on three more insurance runs in the sixth as they went on to win by an 8-1 margin.
Inside the Numbers;
- Grace Roeske got the start in the circle but only went 2 2/3 innings allowing 5 R (4 ER) before being relieved by Su'a.
- LTU was outhit 9-6 with no Blue Devils registering a multi-hit game
Lawrence Tech plays two more games tomorrow, Tuesday the 8
th, starting at 11:15 am versus University of South Carolina Beaufort before squaring off with #8 Indiana Wesleyan at 1:30 p.m.
