Miami University
Syracuse
Softball Drops Two at Under Armour Showcase
3/9/2012 12:00:00 AM | Softball
March 9, 2012
CLEARWATER, Fla. - The Miami University softball team dropped a pair of contests to open play at the Under Armour Showcase on Friday. The RedHawks went toe-to-toe with 23rd-ranked Syracuse in the opener, but fell in a pitcher's duel, 1-0. Miami then dropped a 5-3 decision to Central Connecticut State in the nightcap. The RedHawks are now 11-6 on the season.
In the opener, Miami starter Jessica Simpson kept the 23rd-ranked Orange offense in check. Syracuse's (10-6) only run came in the top of the second inning. After Simpson struck out the first two batters, the next hitter reached first on an infield single. After she stole second, a double would bring her home. That would be all Simpson would allow, as she finished the day allowing only that one earned run on four hits, while striking out nine.
Miami had a couple of good chances to bring the tying run across the board. In the bottom of the fifth, Daniela Torres walked and Jordan McElroy singled with one out, but the Orange's Jenna Caira struck out the next two hitters to end the threat. In the bottom of the seventh with two outs, Torres would single to left field, while McElroy would reach on an error. Caira would follow by inducing Casey Drees to groundout to second to end the inning and give Syracuse a 1-0 win.
McElroy finished the game 1-for-3, while Torres was 1-for-2 with a walk.
A five-run top of the first inning for CCSU (4-4) would doom Miami in the nightcap. Paige Myers had her first rough outing of the season, allowing five runs (three earned) on five hits and an error. Simpson would come in to relieve her and would completely shut down the Blue Devil offense for the rest of the game. She no-hit CCSU over the last 6.1 innings, allowing only one walk and striking out seven to give the RedHawks a chance at a comeback.
Miami got on the board with two runs in the bottom of the third. With one out and Kristy Arbour on second, Bree Lipscomb drew a walk. Allie Larrabee followed with a groundout to shortstop, allowing both runners to advance a base. Torres would follow with another grounder to the shortstop, but this time the ball was booted, allowing both Lipscomb and Arbour to score.
In the bottom of the sixth, McElroy singled with one out. She then stole second base. Two batters later, Shanyn McIntyre would single to centerfield scoring McElroy and making it 5-3.
Miami would have an opportunity to tie things up in the bottom of the seventh. With one out, Lipscomb was hit by a pitch and immediately replaced by pinch-runner Ashley Zappia. Zappia would move up to second on a wild pitch. After an out, Torres was walked. The final pitch of the walk got away from the catcher and allowed Zappia to move up to third and Torres to second. CCSU pitcher Jordan Tingley was able to recover, however, and got McElroy to pop up to first for the final out.
Arbour finished the game 2-for-4 with one run scored. McElroy was 1-for-4 with one run scored.
Miami looks to get back on the winning track with two more games Saturday at the Under Armour Showcase. The Red and White will take on Kennesaw State at 4:15 p.m., and follow it up with a contest against Virginia Tech at 6:30 p.m.
