Miami University
Mississippi State
RedHawks Drop Final Two Games at Sunshine Classic
2/14/2009 12:00:00 AM | Softball
Feb. 14, 2009
TALLAHASEE, Fla. - The Miami University softball team outhit each of its two BCS Conference opponents on Saturday at the Sunshine Classic, but fell to Mississippi State 3-0 in the first game and followed it up with a 10-2, five inning defeat against the host Seminoles in the second game. Miami is now 1-3 on the season with all three losses coming against teams that played in the NCAA Tournament last season.
In the first game against Mississippi State, the RedHawks were able to record eight hits, but were unable to push across any runs. The best chance to score came in the bottom of the third when Jordan McElroy and Kathryn Russette led off the inning with singles. Later in the inning Daniela Torres walked to load the bases, but a groundout put an end to Miami's threat.
The Bulldogs managed single runs in the first, third and fifth innings against starting pitcher Jessica Simpson (0-2). She pitched the complete game, giving up only four hits and two earned runs, striking out six. Russette finished the day 2-for-4, while Sarah Billstrom was 2-for-3.
The RedHawks opened the scoring in the first inning when McElroy scored on a Billstrom sacrifice fly. The Seminoles took advantage of three Miami fielding errors to score eight runs on only five hits over the next three innings and put the game out of reach. The RedHawks were able to score one more run in the top of the fifth when McElroy and Russette led the inning off with singles. Meghan Mawn then hit into a double play, but McElroy was able to score.
Miami outhit Florida State 9-8 for the game. McElroy was 2-for-3 with two runs scored, while Jenna McGivney finished the game 2-for-2.
The RedHawks return to action next weekend when it participates in the K-Club Classic hosted by Kennesaw State University Feb. 20-22. The action begins with two games on Friday when Miami faces Mid-American Conference rival Buffalo in a non-conference game at 1:30 p.m., followed by a matchup with the host Owls at 4:30 p.m.
