East Carolina University
Marshall
Softabll Drops Series Final to Marshall, 7-2
April 02, 2006 | Softball
April 2, 2006
GREENVILLE, N.C. --- Marshall touched up three East Carolina pitchers for seven runs on 11 hits as it defeated East Carolina, 7-2, in the rubber game of a three-game Conference USA series here Sunday.
The loss dropped the Pirates record to 24-17 overall and 2-7 in conference play, while the Herd improved to 21-15 overall and 9-3 against league competition.
ECU starting pitcher Keli Harrell (13-11) lasted just four innings before being lifted in favor of Stephanie Hayes. Hayes tossed just one-third inning before Brooke Swann was brought in to finish the game.
Marshall manufactured the game's first run following a lead off double by Amanda Williams. Catcher Rachel Folden then singled through the middle to plate Williams from third after she advanced on a wild pitch.
The Herd threatened to extend their lead in the fourth loading the bases with no outs. However, the Pirates were able to keep their rival off the boards as second baseman Paige Baggett threw out the lead runner at home, Harrell struck out Courtney Kacenga, and Williams lined out to third ending the inning.
Marshall's lead ballooned to 7-0 in the fifth as it plated six runs. The first two runs scored courtesy of an infield hit by Dee Tourville. Following a second consecutive infield hit, Leigh Winnter hit a three-run home run over the center field fence to give Marshall a seven run advantage.
Vanessa Moreno and Krista Jessup each hit a solo home run to put ECU on the board in the fifth and chase starter Veronica Ralston (12-8) from the game.
Ralston allowed just three hits in the first five innings before surrendering the two home runs. She struck out one and walked just one in 5.2 innings pitched.
Abigail Harter threw the final 1.1 innings for Marshall without allowing a hit.
East Carolina returns to action Tuesday, April 4, at Campbell before hosting UNC Wilmington on Wednesday.
