April 21, 2007
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KENNESAW, Ga. - Freshman Kelsey Kulk was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded in the bottom of the eighth inning to end a wild game at Bailey Park as Kennesaw State defeated North Florida, 2-1, to sweep the Senior Day doubleheader on Saturday.
In a game that saw momentum turn on nearly every pitch, the Owls rallied in the bottom of the eighth inning for their fourth straight win. Kelley Cowart, who had three hits on the day, singled to lead off the eighth and Keri McKee followed with a walk.
After an out, April Keasler grounded sharply to shortstop, but Jamie KeKaualua, pinch-running for Cowart, beat the throw to third base loading the bases for Kulk, who was hit in the side for the game-winning RBI.
Brittany Matthews came into the game in the sixth inning and won her 20th game of the year as Kennesaw State (39-17, 13-3 A-Sun) kept its two-game lead over Stetson in the A-Sun standings.
The Owls jumped out to a 1-0 lead, scoring in the bottom of the second inning. April Keasler led off with a single to left field and with one-out, Norie Glazebrook singled through the left side. Megan Gant, who ignited a pair of rallies in the first game, drove home Keasler with a single to left field.
North Florida tied the game quickly in the top of the third inning when Kara Rutenbar led off the inning with a line drive home run over the left field fence off Glazebrook.
The pitch was one of the few bad pitches thrown by the right-hander who was very efficient in her five and one-third innings of work. After the home run, Glazebrook retired nine batters in a row before allowing a single to Higgs in the sixth inning.
The Owls had a chance to win the game in the bottom of the fifth inning when, with two outs and McKee on first base, Jennifer Nolan's fly ball to right field was lost in the late afternoon sun by Kara Rutenbar.
McKee, who was running on the pitch, tried to score from first base and seemingly beat the throw home. However, her fade away slide behind UNF catcher Kelli Rutenbar was called out to end the inning.
The Owls will be back in action on Wednesday evening when they conclude the Atlantic Sun Conference regular season against state-rival Mercer in Macon. First pitch is scheduled for 6:00 p.m.
