Southern Miss Downs Herd In Game One, 2-1

April 19, 2008

HATTIESBURG, Miss. - The Southern Miss Golden Eagles scored two runs in the bottom of the seventh inning to escape with a 2-1 victory over the Marshall Thundering Herd softball team, in game one of Saturday's Conference USA doubleheader at the Southern Miss Softball Complex.

Trailing 1-0 in the seventh, the Golden Eagles (23-22, 7-9 C-USA)capitalized on two Marshall errors to claim the win. Sophomore pinch hitter Brandi Alonzo reached on base in the final frame after hitting a sharp ground ball to Herd (21-26, 8-9) third baseman Marcena Bertoldo, which she couldn't control in enough time to throw Alonzo out at first.

With the tying run on first, a bunt single from outfielder Amanda Bullard placed two runners on base for the Golden Eagles. After a fielder's choice from Megan Hill, shortstop Kristin Chaney singled to right center to tie the game at one. Catcher Kristin Pilgrim struck out, allowing for Logan James to hit a ground ball to third base, which resulted in a Herd error, scoring the winning-run for Southern Miss.

Herd ace Caitlyn Jackson (10-15) was credited with the loss after the complete-game effort. She surrendered seven hits in the contest, while allowing two runs. She finished with four strike outs increasing her season total to a team-high 76.

In the opposing pitching circle was Southern Miss' Samantha Davis (13-7). Davis went seven innings allowing one run from six hits and three walks.

The Herd's lone run came in the first inning when senior Samantha Rodriguez homered to left field. It marks the seventh time Marshall has registered a home run in the first inning this season.

Rodriguez finished the contest with three hits leading the Herd offensively. Jackson, junior Rachael Sofie and senior Rachel Folden recorded a hit in the contest.

The Golden Eagle's Kristin Chaney and Lauren Castellvi guided Southern Miss with two hits a piece.

The Herd and Golden Eagles will complete its Saturday doubleheader at 3:30 p.m. (CT)., before the series finale, Sunday at noon (CT).

Southern Miss 2, Marshall University 1 (Apr 19, 2008 at Hattiesburg, Miss.) (Game 1)----------------------------------------------------------------------Marshall University. 100 000 0 -  1  6  2      (21-26, 8-9)Southern Miss....... 000 000 2 -  2  7  1      (23-22, 7-9)----------------------------------------------------------------------Pitchers: Marshall University - Jackson, Caitlyn. Southern Miss - DAVIS, S.Win-DAVIS, S(13-7)  Loss-JACKSON, Caitlyn(10-15)  T-2:04  A-0HR MARSHALL - Rodriguez, Samantha.Weather: Clear, Sunny 73

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Players Mentioned

Marcena Bertoldo

Rachel Folden

Caitlyn Jackson

Samantha Rodriguez

Rachael Sofie

Marshall University Athletics