April 3, 2009
Game One Box Score
Game Two Box Score
KENNESAW, Ga. - The Kennesaw State softball team used a pair of solid pitching performances from April Harper and late inning heroics to sweep an Atlantic Sun Conference doubleheader from Stetson on Friday afternoon. The Owls scored in the bottom of the seventh to defeat the Hatters, 2-1, in the first game before taking the nightcap, 3-1, with a three-run sixth inning rally.
In the opener, Stetson (20-18, 3-5 A-Sun) took a 1-0 lead in the third inning after Chelsey Trotto led off with a bunt single. She advanced to second on a sacrifice bunt by Heather Barnes and scored when Brittany Knipp lined a pitch to third base that went off Hollie Huffman's glove.
The Owls (15-14, 2-2 A-Sun) were held hitless until they evened the score in the fourth inning when Klair Wells hit her third home run of the year, a shot to right center field that made the score, 1-1.
April Harper (6-3), who allowed just three hits in the complete game win, retired 11 consecutive batters to end the game as she helped KSU snap its three-game losing streak. The right-hander struck out three batters and did not allow an earned run.
Kennesaw State's game-winning rally was started when Jenna Closner doubled to center field with one out in the seventh inning. Jordan Hackett pinch-ran for Closner and advanced to second on a wild pitch. After Brittany Moore was hit by a pitch, Catherine Tarvin was intentionally walked to load the bases for Kelsey Kulk, who drew the walk to give the Black and Gold the, 2-1, victory.
In the nightcap, the Hatters took a 1-0 lead in the top of the first inning when Andrea Migliori doubled to right center field with one out in the inning. Jessica Lokeinsky picked up the RBI on an infield hit.
However, that was the only run they would get off Harper. The Owls hurler pitched her second complete game of the afternoon, holding the Hatters to only four hits and allowing Stetson to get just two runners to second base over the final six frames.
Trailing in the bottom of the sixth inning, Kennesaw State rallied when fleet-footed Lyndsay McCurry singled to left field. Wells then singled to the shortstop before Huffman sacrificed the runners into scoring position. Closner walked to load the bases and Moore became the hero of the second game when she ripped a double to left field to give KSU a 2-1 lead. Tarvin gave KSU an insurance run with a sacrifice fly down the left field line.
On the day, Harper gave up only seven hits, one earned run and had six strikeouts in 14 innings to give the Owls their first two conference wins of the year. Wells had a hit in each game to extend her hitting streak to three games.
The Black and Gold continue Atlantic Sun Conference action tomorrow afternoon when they host a doubleheader against Florida Gulf Coast beginning at 2:00 p.m. Beginning at noon, KSU will host their annual Lexi's Day event which will help raise money to benefit Jacob's Ladder Neurological Learning Center.
The $10 ticket will include admission to Saturday's games and also a noon lunch sponsored by the Marietta Fish Market. Tickets can be purchased on-line by visiting: http://ksuowls.ticketsxchange.com/index.asp or by calling 678-797-2800.
