Memphis Outlasts FIU to Win Pitcher's Duel

Friday, February 24

Miami, Fla.

4 PM

University of Memphis

5-1

Florida International

4-7

Memphis

Florida Internationa

Bridgette McNulty went 4-7 on the day with two homeruns and seven RBIs

Feb 24, 2006 | Softball

Box Score

Feb. 24, 2006

Box Score

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Memphis (5-1)     000 000 3  -  3 9 2
FIU (4-7)         000 000 0  -  0 2 2

MIAMI, Fla. - Runs were at a premium Friday night in Miami, as Memphis withstood a six-inning pitcher's dual and finally broke into the scoring column in the top of the seventh to outlast Florida International 3-0. On the mound, Jenna Kubesch tossed a complete-game shutout to push her mark to 2-0 on the season and give the Tigers a 2-0 mark in the Golden Panther Tournament.

The U of M had the upper hand on FIU the entire night and had several opportunities to take control of the game, but saw the Golden Panthers thwart every effort. Memphis put at least two runners on base in the first, second and fifth innings, but solid FIU defense and several unlucky breaks kept the Tigers off the board.

Just when it appeared the contest could be heading for extra innings, however, Memphis broke through with a three-run top of the seventh to break the scoreless tie.

Leila Dolfo and Kara Ross each recorded one-out base hits, before an FIU wild pitch put runners at second and third for Bridgette McNulty. McNulty, who was 4-7 with two homeruns, two doubles and seven RBIs in two games on the day, then dealt the critical blow, doubling to leftcenter to plate Dolfo and Ross and put Memphis in front 2-0.

Following a Kimmi Hayden single to put runners on the corners, Melissa Nance added an infield single to plate McNulty for the Tigers final run.

Kubesh then shut the door on FIU in the bottom of the seventh to seal the victory. The junior posted a stellar effort on the mound, giving up just two hits and three walks, while striking out eight.

The Memphis offense recorded nine hits off FIU pitchers Penny Eastman and Kerri Houck, with Nance and Cara Stiles each going 2-4 at the dish to lead the way.

With the win, the Tigers move to 5-1 on the season and 2-0 thus far in the Golden Panther Invitational

FIU falls to 4-7 for the year and 1-1 for the tournament, while Eastman, who took to loss, falls to 3-2 on the campaign.

The U of M will return to action at 10 a.m. EST Saturday morning, squaring off with Notre Dame, before facing Buffalo at Noon.