East Carolina University
Gardner-Webb
Pirates Take Two On Opening Day
February 09, 2007 | Softball
Feb. 9, 2007
Box Score | Box Score (ECU vs. Gardner-Webb)
ECU vs. Ohio Box Score (PDF) | ECU vs. Gardner-Webb Box Score (PDF)
CHAPEL HILL - The East Carolina softball team won back-to-back games against Ohio and Gardner-Webb in the first two of four games at the Carolina Classic in Chapel Hill. Against Gardner-Webb, the Pirate offense showed its potential by launching three homeruns en route to an 8-0 victory. In game one, a pitching duel took place between Keli Harrell and Michelle Sauter of Ohio, but the Pirates managed to pull a victory in walk-off fashion.
A base hit by Kaui Tom in the bottom of the seventh inning scored Cristen Aona from second base to give the Pirates the 3-2 win. Aona led off the seventh inning and reached on the walk by Sauter. Christina Merrida moved Aona into scoring position on a well placed bunt back to Sauter.
Keli Harrell was on the hill for the Pirates, making her 97th game started in an ECU uniform and went the distance for her 81st time. Harrell did not allow a hit through the first five innings before giving up a single to centerfield. She ended the day fanning ten Bobcats.
ECU and Ohio both scored a run in the first inning of play but neither team managed to get a run across the board. Ohio took the lead in the top of the sixth inning on an error by Harrell. The Pirates quickly tied it up in the bottom half on a double by Paige Baggett with one out and Bibee at second base.
In game two, the Pirates were led on the mound by freshman Toni Paisley. Paisley, who had an excellent fall, pitched brilliantly, allowing one hit through five innings. Brooke Swann pitched the final two innings and did not allow a hit.
Three home runs in the sixth inning by Charina Sumner, Paige Baggett and Sarah Bibee added five runs to a 2-0 lead and put the game out of reach for Gardner-Webb. Home runs by freshman Charina Sumner and sophomore Sarah Bibee were their first in a Pirate uniform. Sumner had a day to remember in her collegiate debut, going a combined 4-6, a home run, two RBI and three runs scored.
The Pirates will play the College of Charleston Saturday at 5:30 p.m. They will wrap up the Carolina Classic against Penn State on Sunday at 10 a.m.
