Softball Completes Sweep of Billikens
May 04, 2003 | Softball
GREENVILLE, N.C. ? The East Carolina softball team completed a three-game sweep of the Saint Louis Billikens here Sunday with 3-2 win in the season finale.
The Pirates finish the 2003 season with a record of 24-32 overall and 5-19 in C-USA play. The Billikens fall to 21-18, 9-14 in C-USA.
East Carolina got on the board first in the bottom of the third, scoring all three of its runs during the frame. Center fielder Lacassa Hill singled with one out and Kristen Johnson followed with a single to left. After a passed ball allowed both runners to move into scoring position, shortstop Christine Sheridan drove in both runners with a double to right-center. After a Kate Manuse strikeout, catcher Krista Jessup followed with a double of her own to center, scoring Sheridan from second.
The Billikens rallied in the top of the sixth when the first two batters of the inning singled off of starter Maggie Lingo, and advanced to second and third on a fielding error. The Pirates then went to the bullpen to bring in one of yesterday's starters, Brently Bridgeforth, who hit second baseman AshLeigh Williams to load the bases. The next batter, Adrie Bogaars, reached on a fielder's choice, scoring Beth Yagee from third. Saint Louis added another run on a throwing error by Bridgeforth.
The Billiken rally was eliminated when the Pirates turned a double play to end the sixth inning. Pinch-hitter Beth Schomaker hit a ground ball to Sheridan at short who threw her out at first. The runner on third, Logan Justice, attempted to score on the play, but first baseman Dany'ele Hill threw her out at home to end the inning.
Pirate pitchers combined to allow only four runs in 21 innings pitched on the weekend . Lingo recorded her fifth win of the season, allowing seven hits and striking out two, while Bridgeforth recorded the first save of her career with two shutout innings to close the game.
Billiken starter Nicole Bohnenstiehl pitched a complete game and suffered the loss despite striking out 13 batters. Bohnenstiehl pitched all 18 innings in the series this weekend, suffering the loss in each game.
