Feb. 21, 2007
Box Score
KENNESAW, Ga. - The classic pitchers duel between Brittany Matthews and Samford's Stephanie Royall couldn't be decided in seven innings as both pitchers showed their dominance in a scoreless pitchers duel. It took extra-innings, the international tiebreaker rule and a throwing error to decide the outcome as Kennesaw State beat Samford, 1-0, at Bailey Park on Wednesday night.
Matthews and Royall battled pitch-for-overpowering-pitch through seven innings before a two-out error by Samford third baseman Brittany Simao decided the game. Kennesaw State (9-4) was able to get three hits off the two-time Ohio Valley Conference Pitcher-of-the-Week, while Matthews was nearly unhittable for Kennesaw State.
With Jamie KeKaualua placed on second base to begin the bottom of the eighth inning, Klair Wells advanced her to third on sacrifice bunt. After Jennifer Nolan popped up, Keri McKee hit a grounder to third which Simao fielded well but her throw went wide of first baseman Jenna Dempski, scoring KeKaualua with the lone run.
Matthews, the All-Atlantic Sun Conference performer from a year ago, allowed just one-hit in the game, a third-inning single by Jessica Owens. However, a leadoff walk in the top of the seventh inning almost cost the Owls.
After Matthews got Rachael Reeves to pop up a bunt, Kylie Harmon moved to second on a wild pitch. With the Bulldogs (7-4) having the go-ahead run in scoring position, the Owls dominant southpaw mowed down both Tracey Deaux and Whitney Terry to keep the game scoreless. Matthews would finish the game with a season-high nine strikeouts.
Klair Wells had two hits for the Owls and Hollie Huffman added a single as the Owls mounted just one rally in the game. Wells got her second hit of the game, a leadoff single in the sixth. A successful sacrifice bunt by Jennifer Nolan and a groundout by Keri McKee moved Wells to third. Malorie Weller drew a walk but Megan Gant struck out to end the threat.
The Owls will be back in action on Saturday afternoon when they host the KSU Invitational. KSU will play the College of Charleston at 1:00 p.m. and then play Liberty at 5:00 p.m.
