By: by Scott Lipsky
Box Score UConn game notes
KENNESAW, Ga. – Amanda Henderson shut out the Penn State Nittany Lions through seven innings on Tuesday afternoon, but a two-run home run at the beginning of extra innings did in the Kennesaw State Owls, as they eventually fell, 2-1, at Bailey Park.
Playing with the International Tiebreaker rule that puts a runner on second base to lead-off all extra innings, Penn State (8-5) led off the top of the eighth inning with a runner in scoring position. After giving up the home run to Penn State’s Cassidy Bell, Henderson, who is now 2-2 for the Owls (13-6) this season, induced a fly out to center field before giving way to Abbey Meixel, who retired the last two batters.
The Black and Gold would fight in the bottom of the eighth, as Ashlee Burkett would drive in Cat Tarvin from second base with two outs to make it a 2-1 game. Sharon Swanson would follow Burkett to the plate, and hit a deep fly to left centerfield that was snagged by the outstretched arm of center fielder Bell to end the game and snap the Owls three-game winning streak.
Both starting pitchers were on their games on Tuesday. Henderson allowed just six hits in her outing while striking out three and walking one. She pitched well under pressure, stranding runners on five occasions without allowing a run.
Nittany Lions starter Jackie Hill went the distance, pitching all eight innings while giving up just one unearned run on three hits, striking out six and walking a pair.
The Black and Gold had their best opportunity to score in the first inning, when Sara Sikes led things off by hitting a rocket down the right field line and motored her way to third base standing up. The Owls would be unable to get her home however, giving way with a ground out to the pitcher, a fly out to right field and strike out swinging. They also put two runners on base with two outs in the third inning with a pair of walks, but were unable to convert.
Morgan Chapman joined Burkett and Sikes as the third Owl to record a hit on Tuesday afternoon.
Kennesaw State is back in action Wednesday afternoon, when they host UConn in a doubleheader at Bailey Park at 2 p.m.
