East Carolina University
Marshall
ECU Rallies For 2-1 Win Over Marshall
April 01, 2006 | Softball
April 1, 2006
GREENVILLE, N.C. --- ECU posted a 2-1 victory over Marshall in game one of a Conference USA doubleheader Saturday.
Despite failing to record a fist inning hit in game one, ECU jumped out to a 1-0 lead after an inning of play. Freshman Vanessa Moreno slid underneath catcher Rachel Folden's tag at the plate to score on a fielder's choice. After walking to lead off the inning, Moreno used her speed to beat a throw to second base to move into scoring position before moving to third on a sacrifice bunt.
ECU starter Keli Harrell (13-10) retired the first nine batters she faced before yielding her first hit of the game. She then proceeded to retire the next 10 batters in order before Folden reached with a one-out single in the seventh.
Harrell finished the game with eight strikeouts, moving into second place on the Conference USA career strikeouts list with 664.
Needing just one to secure victory, the Pirates committed two errors on the next play as Dee Tourville's ground ball scooted passed the ECU second baseman and right fielder to score the tying run.
Harrell then struck out Jessica Williams to end Marshall's threat with the go-ahead run on third base.
Beth Noland then singled off the glove of the third baseman to lead off the seventh and was sacrificed over by Alison Monce.
With one-out, Ashley Quick laced a base hit into right field to score pinch runner Sarah Bibee from second base.
MU starter Veronica Ralston (11-8) matched Harrell inning-for-inning, surrendering just one hit in the first six innings. The loss was her first of the season in conference play.
The Pirates' victory snapped their five-game C-USA losing streak.
