Tigers Split Two Shutouts with Southern Miss

Saturday, April 12

Memphis, Tenn.

3 PM

University of Memphis

22-20, 4-9

Southern Miss

21-21, 5-9

Southern Miss

Memphis

Apr 12, 2008 | Softball

Box Score 1 Box Score 2

April 12, 2008

Box Score |  Notes

For Immediate Release
Contact: Brandon Kolditz
wkolditz@memphis.edu, (901) 871-5475

Game One
Southern Miss  000 101 0 - 2  6  1
Memphis        000 000 0 - 0  3  1
WP: Davis (11-7) LP: Bossom (9-9)

Game Two
Southern Miss (21-21, 5-9)  000 000 0 - 0  4  3
Memphis (22-20, 4-9)        020 200 x - 4  8  0
WP: Valle (9-6) LP: Harbuck (2-7)
2B: (MEM) Rowan (3)

Game One Box Score
Game Two Box Score

MEMPHIS - Throughout the University of Memphis softball team's five-game hitting streak, the one constant variable has been quality pitching.

Prior to the streak, the opposite could be said as the Tiger pitching staff had given up 44 runs in an eight-game losing streak with 41 walks for a 5.91 ERA. But since then, the group of three freshmen pitchers has allowed just nine runs in 49 innings for a 1.29 ERA.

On Saturday in a home doubleheader with Southern Miss (21-21, 5-9) to begin a three-game series at the Tiger Softball Complex, it was no different.

The Tigers (22-20, 4-9) allowed just two runs off 10 hits with no extra base knocks. However, a lack of hitting by the U of M in game one led to a split as the Golden Eagles won 2-0 in game one followed by a 4-0 victory by Memphis in the second contest.

Freshman Kimber Bossom (9-9) pitched another impressive game, scattering six singles and striking out six, while allowing one walk in the opening loss. But Golden Eagles ace Samantha Davis (11-7) shut down the Tiger batters, allowing just three base runners for her third shutout of the season.

The third and sixth were the only innings that Memphis put runners in scoring position, but both occurred with two outs.

Southern Miss scored its first run in the fourth inning after Kristin Pilgrim reached on a one-out hit by pitch and then advanced from second on a two-out single up the middle by Lauren Castellvi. The Golden Eagles then added a run in the sixth inning when Castellvi hit a ground out to third with the bases loaded and one out that scored Megan Hill.

In game two of the double dip, the Memphis bats came alive as the Tigers scored four runs to back a shutout gem by freshman Janelle Valle (9-6). The blanking is the third for Valle who pitched her first complete seven inning game since March 1. The lefty held the Golden Eagles to four hits, with Logan James picking up three of them.

The U of M compiled eight hits in the game, including a multi-hit performance by freshman third baseman Maddie McKinley. Junior first baseman Leila Dolfo also had a two-run single in the game and junior second baseman Tori Gross scored a pair of runs.

The Tigers scored a pair of two-out runs in the bottom of the second inning. Freshman catcher Kailey Kassner started things off with a single to left field. After a walk to Gross, McKinley hit an RBI single up the middle that ricocheted off the pitcher to score Kassner from second. Gross then scored the second run of the inning from third on an infield error off the bat of junior right fielder Brittany Gooch.

Dolfo knocked in two more two-out runs in the fourth. Gross knocked a sharp hit single off the glove of a diving third baseman and moved to second on a single by McKinley. Another single by Gooch loaded the bases for Memphis allowing Dolfo to hit the fourth-straight single to left field.

Memphis and Southern Miss will complete the series with a single game on Sunday at 1 p.m. Live stats are available through GameTracker. Live stream video and audio with Dan O'Brien calling the play-by-play is also available to All-Access subscribers.

The game is Super Senior Sunday with all senior citizens over 55 receiving $2 admission. It is also Faith and Family Day with children receiving free admission and $3 adult admission with a copy of your church bulletin. All Alumni Association members and guest also receive free admission.

Regular admission is $5 for adults 13 and up and $3 for senior citizens and youth ages 6-12. Children 5 and under and U of M students with their ID card get in free.