April 17, 2008
Box Score
KENNESAW, Ga. - After posting six runs in the final at-bats to tie the game, the Kennesaw State softball team dropped a heartbreaker, 7-6, in eight innings to Jacksonville State on Thursday night at Bailey Park.
The loss brings an end to KSU's (31-16) four-game winning streak. With the victory, Jacksonville State improves to 27-12 on the year and gives head coach Jana McGinnis her 500th career win.
After spotting the visitors a six-run lead through six and a half innings, the Owls saved the heroics for their final out.
Hollie Huffman led off the frame with a single to right center, followed by a Jamie KeKaulua infield single. Catherine Rodriguez walked to load the bases and Amanda Malcom finally put the Black and Gold on the board with a bases-clearing double to bring the score to 6-3.
Jessica Cross kept the rally alive by reaching on Melissa Ledbetter's second error of the contest. Then, after going 0-for-3, Jacki Warren came up with a clutch double to plate Malcom and pull the Owls within two. Jenna Closner brought home the tying runs when her single up the middle scored pinch runner Erica Joseph and Warren to tie the game at 6-6.
But the glory was short-lived as Jacksonville State scored the game-winning run in the eighth inning. With the international tie-breaker in play, sending Whitney Elder to second, Jackie Jarman grounded out to first, advancing Elder to third.
Brittany Matthews came out of the bullpen to try to squash the scoring chance, but a 2-1 riseball was just outside the reach of Closner, allowing Elder to cross the plate and once again put the Gamecocks ahead, 7-6.
The Owls had a chance to once again tie the score after having the bases loaded, but Malcom was unable to be the hero as her fly ball to centerfield ended the thriller.
Melissa Dowling (18-7) earned the win after throwing 1.1 innings of scoreless relief ball, allowing one hit and two walks while striking out two. Cross (6-4) was credited with the loss after giving up five runs in 2.1 innings of work. She was tagged for five hits and two walks, while recording just one strikeout.
Chrissy O'Neal (1-for-5), Rachel Fleming (1-for-4) and Ledbetter (1-for-2) each drove in a pair of runs for Jacksonville State.
Malcom led the KSU offense with a 1-for-5 night with three RBI, while Closner went 2-for-4 with two runs driven in.
The Owls have little time to dwell on the loss as they return to A-Sun play with a doubleheader at Campbell on Saturday afternoon at 2:00 p.m.
