Southern Miss
Lamar
Softball Splits on Day 2 of Sand Dollar Classic
2/7/2015 12:00:00 AM | Softball
Box Score vs. McNeese State | Box Score vs. Lamar
GULF SHORES, Ala. - The Southern Miss softball team spit a pair of games on the second day of Sand Dollar Classic in Gulf Shores, Ala. The Golden Eagles dropped a tough 2-0 decision to McNeese State in the first game of the day, but rebounded for a 5-2 victory over Lamar in the nightcap.
On the day, the Golden Eagles tallied 10 hits on the day, led by true freshmen Samantha Reynolds and Mallory Hayden, who each finished with two hits apiece. Arielle Pollock, Selena Estrada, Kaelyn Christofferson, Morgan McKeever, Katie Cleary and Sarah Evans each finished the day with a hit. Evans notched the only extra-base hit of the day - a three-RBI double in the 5-2 victory over Lamar. Estrada led the team with three walks, while Reynolds added a pair of BBs. Reynolds led the team with two runs scored and Evans paced the team with three runs batted in.
In the circle, Samantha Robles recorded her first victory of the season. The sophomore scattered seven hits in 7.0 innings, allowing a pair of runs. Robles walked one batter, while striking out four hitters. The Texas City, Texas native closed out the game with back-to-back Ks.
Danielle Block took the hard-luck loss in game one. The Phoenix, Ariz. native tossed 6.0 innings allowing two runs (one earned run). Block recorded a strikeout, while walking one batter.
Southern Miss concludes play in the 2015 Sand Dollar Classic on Sunday afternoon with a single game against Florida Gulf Coast. First pitch between the Golden Eagles and the Eagles is slated for 12:00 p.m. Live stats and in-game tweets (@SouthernMissSB) will be available throughout the game.
Game 1 vs. McNeese State:
In the first game of the day, the Golden Eagles were unable to generate enough offense to upset the undefeated Cowgirls. MSU benefited from some Black and Gold miscues to earn a 2-0 victory.
McNeese was the first team to scratch the scoreboard, plating a runner in the bottom of the first inning. The leadoff batter singled to shallow left center field and moved to second on a walk. The two base runners advanced on a fly ball to center field and the lead runner came around to score on a RBI groundout. With a runner on third and two outs, Block induced a groundout to end the inning and prevent any more runs.
Southern Miss looked to answer in the top of the second inning. Cleary singled to short to lead off the inning. With one out, Hayden reached on a fielder's choice that eliminated the lead runner. Bailey Stokes followed with a walk, moving the tying run into scoring position. The Cowgirls used a pop up to end the inning and the Golden Eagles' rally.
The Cowgirls extended their lead with a run in the bottom of the third inning. The leadoff batter benefited from a pair of Golden Eagle errors to reach second base with no outs. The runner moved to third base on a single to shallow center field. McNeese sent the runner at first towards second base, prompting a throw. While the trail runner was in a rundown, the lead runner scampered home to increase the lead to 2-0. The Golden Eagles ended the inning with a foul out, but trailed 2-0.
In the fifth inning, Southern Miss threatened. Reynolds recorded a pinch-hit single to third base to start off the inning. She moved into scoring position on a sacrifice bunt by Christofferson. Estrada followed with a walk to put the tying run on base. McNeese recorded the second out of the inning at third base as the shortstop made a diving stop in the hole to keep the bases from being loaded. The Cowgirls thwarted the Black and Gold threat with an inning-ending groundout.
Down to its final three outs, Southern Miss looked to knot the score in the top of the seventh inning. With one out, Michelle Stringer reached base on a fielding error by McNeese. The Cowgirls were able to use a foul out and a groundout to end the game and earn the 2-0 victory.
Game 2 vs. Lamar:
In the second game, the Golden Eagles capitalized on opportunities to rebound for a 5-2 win over the Cardinals. Both teams notched seven hits in the game, but the Black and Gold played mistake free defense and benefited from timely hits.
Southern Miss got the scoring started in the first inning. Reynolds led off the inning with a single to second base. Christofferson laid down a bunt and was able to beat it out for an infield single. The runners advanced a base on a ground out to the pitcher. Reynolds came around to score on a wild pitch, putting the Golden Eagles in front 1-0 early. The Cardinals caught the Black and Gold in a run down for the second out of the inning and a groundout to second ended the Southern Miss inning.
In the second inning, the Golden Eagles extended its lead to 2-0 with a run. Estrada worked the count full and fouled off several pitches before an 11-pitch walk. Estrada advanced to second base on a groundout to the pitcher. Hayden singled off the pitcher's leg to give USM runners on the corners. Pollock dropped down a bunt down the first base line for a RBI single, putting the designated home team in front 2-0. Reynolds walked to extend the inning and load the base, but a fielder's choice and a groundout ended the inning with no further runs.
Lamar chipped into the lead with a run in the fourth inning. The leadoff batter tripled to right field. She came in to score on a sacrifice fly to deep center field that Rachel Johnson tracked down at the wall, trimming the Southern Miss edge to 2-1.
The Golden Eagles responded with a big inning in the bottom of the fourth inning. Morgan McKeever singled to start of the inning. She advanced to second base as Pollock reached on a fielding error by the Cardinals. With two on and one out, Reynolds drew a four-pitch walk to load the bases. Lamar was able to retire the lead runner on a fielder's choice, leaving the bases loaded. Evans cleared the bases with one swing, connecting on a three-run double to left center field and giving Southern Miss a 5-1 advantage.
In the final inning, the Cardinals attempted a comeback, but the Golden Eagles slammed the door on any rally. With one out, Lamar used a single and a triple to score a run. With one out and a runner on third, Robles notched back-to-back strikeouts to end the game and secure the victory.
