East Carolina University
Creighton
Bats Come Alive In 12-1 East Carolina Victory
March 10, 2012 | Softball
March 10, 2012
Box Score | Box Score in PDF Format 
TEMPE, Ariz. - A seven-run third inning highlighted by a grand slam from sophomore Kristi Oshiro led East Carolina to a 12-1 victory over Creighton Saturday afternoon at the Diamond Devil Invitational. Oshiro finished the game with a career-high six runs batted in as she added a two-run single in the fourth inning. She becomes the first Pirate with six RBI in a game since Paige Baggett against the College of Charleston on Feb. 10, 2007.
In addition to Oshiro's big offensive day, classmate Alex Fieldhouse finished with a career-high-tying three hits and a personal-best three runs scored as well as her first home run of the season. Sophomore Jordan Lewis and junior Cicely Lopez each picked up two hits, scored twice and drove in one for ECU.
Freshman Sarah Christian (7-6) threw the first four innings and did not allow a base runner until her final frame. She gave up two hits and one run while matching her career high with four strikeouts. Classmate Courtney Smith came in for the final three outs and retired all three hitters she faced. Creighton's Sammy Snygg (3-2) tossed three-and-two-thirds innings, giving up seven runs, two earned, on seven hits and two walks in addition to four strikeouts. Brittany Telecky also recorded an out for the Blue Jays, allowing four hits and a walk that led to five Pirate runs, three earned.
East Carolina (9-12) took a 1-0 lead in the bottom of the first inning with a two-out solo home run from Fieldhouse. After the long ball, senior Suzanne Riggs and Lewis drew back-to-back walks, but a foul out ended the threat.
The Pirates broke the game open in the bottom of the third, scoring seven unearned runs with two outs to make it an 8-0 contest. A groundout started the frame, but sophomore Rebecca Lee laid down a bunt and Snygg's throw to first was wide, allowing Lee to move to second. Fieldhouse followed with her second hit of the game, a soft single to center that put runners on the corners with one out. Riggs struck out, but Fieldhouse stole second on strike three. Lewis sent a single up the middle that drove in Lee. Second baseman Ashley Frutos knocked down the ball and tried to make the play at first, but Lewis was safe and Fieldhouse headed home on the throw. First baseman Amy Baker's toss to the plate was wild, allowing Fieldhouse to score and Lewis to move to second.
A single through the left side by junior Kai Clark plated Lewis, who had stolen third, and junior Cicely Lopez doubled to left field to put runners on second and third. Telecky came in for Snygg and hit sophomore Chelsea Kaluhiokalani-Glackin with a pitch to fill the bases. Oshiro then cleared them with her first career home run, a line drive over the wall in right field. After a walk, Telecky ended the inning with a groundout.
The Blue Jays (9-10) tallied their first hit and lone run in the top of the fourth to trail 8-1. Ellen Homan led off with a high chopper to Oshiro at second base and Homan beat the throw to first base. A groundout moved Homan to second and she advanced to third on a fielding error by Oshiro. With runners on the corners and one out, Baker singled through the right side to bring in Homan. Christian recovered with a fielder's choice and strikeout looking to end the threat.
ECU scored its final four runs in the bottom of the fourth for the 12-1 score. Fieldhouse, Riggs and Lewis started the inning with consecutive singles to load the bases. Syngg re-entered to pitch and caught a lineout by sophomore pinch hitter Abby Wynne, but followed with a wild pitch that plated Fieldhouse. A Lopez single to center drove in another run for a 10-1 cushion. After a strikeout, Oshiro plated her final two runs of the contest with a single to center field. A lineout to shortstop Liz Dike closed the frame.
Smith entered for the fifth and retired three consecutive Blue Jay pinch hitters to seal the victory.
The Pirates finish Saturday action with a 5:30 p.m. ET contest against New Mexico State (15-10)
Post-Game Notes
-- Sophomore Alex Fieldhouse's home run was her first since a solo long ball against Houston on May 13, 2011, in the Conference USA Tournament that gave ECU a 1-0 victory and berth in the championship game.
-- Junior Cicely Lopez stole her first career base, in the bottom of the fourth inning.
-- The Pirates' three-four-five hitters in the lineup with Fieldhouse, senior Suzanne Riggs and sophomore Jordan Lewis combined to go six-for-seven with six runs scored.
-- Sophomore Rebecca Lee started her first career game in center field.
-- East Carolina has hit six home runs in its last nine games after going seven-straight without a long ball.
-- The Pirates have 10 home runs in 21 games this season after totaling just 16 in 63 contests in 2011.
-- After going almost two full years without a grand slam, the Pirates have hit two this week. Sophomore Kristi Oshiro hit one against Creighton and Lewis had one at Cal State Fullerton on Tuesday night.
-- ECU stole five bases in the contest, giving the team nine games with two or more stolen bases.
