Marshall University Athletics
Marshall University
Georgia Southern
Softball Defeats Georgia Southern 4-1 in Eight Innings
2/11/2012 12:00:00 AM | Softball
Feb. 11, 2012
CONWAY, S.C. - With a strong pitching performance and a never say die attitude, Marshall softball scored in the final inning for a second time today to defeat Georgia Southern 4-1 in eight innings.
The Thundering Herd finishes out the Kickin' Chicken Classic Sunday against host Coastal Carolina at 12 p.m.
Natalee Pulver was instrumental in holding the Eagles off the scoreboard following their first inning run. The sophomore would only allow two hits after the first and only had one batter reach base from the fourth inning on. Pulver (2-0) has yet to allow an extra base hit in two games so far.
"Natalee did an outstanding job for us in the circle," said head coach Shonda Stanton following the game.
Marshall's (4-0) offense was shut down by Georgia Southern pitcher Sarah Purvis nearly the whole game. After a first inning single by Jazmine Valle that scored pinch runner Melissa Loesing, the Herd was shut off the scoreboard until the game moved into the extra frame.
With the international tie-breaker intact, Jessica Hughes got things started with a bunt that was dropped by the Eagles first baseman and allowed Amanda Lara, who was at second base as part of the tie-breaker rule to score the go ahead run. Alysia Hively hit a screeching double to center field later in the inning that would bring around Hughes to score. Emileigh Cooper entered the game to run for Hively and would score on the next pitch thanks to a throwing error from the Eagle catcher.
"We are continuing to find ways to win and the best part about that is different kids have come up big for us in a number of situations", Stanton continued. "Hughes was able to put down a clutch bunt and Hively came up huge for us with her double to add the insurance."
This was Marshall's second win of day when scoring in the final inning, as they defeated George Washington earlier thanks to a Rebecca Gamby walk-off home run for a 4-2 win.
Marshall improves to 4-0 early on the season while Georgia Southern is 1-2. The Chanticleers, whom the Herd will battle tomorrow, won both of their opening games today to go to 2-0.
Tomorrow's game is scheduled to be available to view through all-access on the Coastal Carolina website, GoCCUSports.com.
