East Carolina University
Ohio
Softball Drops Extra Inning Affair To Ohio
February 19, 2006 | Softball
Feb. 19, 2006
GREENVILLE, N.C. --- Kelly Rodriquez scored the game-winning run in the bottom of eighth inning to give Ohio an 8-7 win over East Carolina on Sunday.
The Pirates (8-2) forced the extra frame by scoring three runs in their half of the seventh. Senior Ashley Quick drove in freshman Sarah Bibee with the tying-run before sophomore Beth Nolan was thrown out at home, while attempting to score the go-ahead run.
Nolan's two out single plated two runs to bring ECU within a run before it loaded the bases as Joyce Roodenburg beat the force throw to third base to bring Quick to the plate.
Ohio scored three times in the bottom of the fourth inning to claim a 5-3 lead as Debbie Szalejko and Rodriquez each recorded and RBI-double. Danielle Kelley scored the tying-run on a ground out by Marian Davis before Szalejko scored the go-ahead run on Rodriquez's double.
ECU scored a run in the fifth to cut its deficit to one as freshman Vanessa Moreno singled through the middle to plate senior Krista Jessup from second base.
Moreno, Jessup, Quick and Nolan each collected two hits as the Pirates pounded out 10 hits.
Jessup hit her first home run of the season in the top of the first to give the Pirates a 2-0 lead.
Ohio chased ECU starting pitcher Brently Bridgeforth from the circle after 1.2 innings and then touched up junior Keli Harrell for six runs on six hits in the final 5.2 innings. Although she struck out nine, Harrell (3-2) was saddled with her second consecutive loss.
Bobcat starter Zoe Heim earned the victory as she tossed the first 4.1 innings and then re-entered the game with one out in the eighth. She allowed four runs on six hits, while striking out six.
ECU returns to action on Wednesday, February 22, as it hosts instate rival NC State. Game one of the doubleheader is scheduled for a 5 p.m. start.
