Softball Returns Favor in 8-0 Win over ECU

Saturday, March 23

Memphis, Tenn.

2 PM

University of Memphis

16-14, 1-1

ECU

19-12, 1-1

ECU

Memphis

Photo by: Brandon Dill

Mar 23, 2019 | Softball

Box Score

Baylee Smith scored a career-high four runs in win

MEMPHIS, Tenn. – The University of Memphis softball team bounced back Saturday afternoon with an 8-0 victory over ECU at the Tigers Softball Complex. The win improved the Tigers to 16-14 on the year and 1-1 in American Athletic Conference play. The Tigers and the Pirates will battle out the rubber match on Sunday at 11 a.m.

Memphis scattered runs in all but the second inning en route to the commanding victory. Regan Hadley and Alyssa Dean led Memphis with a pair of hits each.

The Tigers got the scoring started early with a first-inning RBI single from Ashley Threatt. Baylee Smith scored on the play from first base after drawing a two-out walk. Smith's run proved to be the first of four scored on the day.

After retiring the Pirates in order in the third, the Memphis offense added to its lead. Taking the plate with loaded bases, Hadley took a pitch to the body, advancing a run home. On the next at bat, Sara Ann Davidson hit a sacrifice fly into right field, driving in Hannah Bassham. The Tigers would add one more run when Xiomara Santiago slashed an RBI single through the right side.

Memphis added a pair of runs in the fourth inning to take a 6-0 lead over ECU. A single down the right field line by Hadley and a double by Dean drove in the two runs in the inning.

Two more runs scored in the bottom of the fifth, finishing the game after five. Hadley tallied her third RBI of the game with a bases loaded walk to end the game.

Mariah Nichols improved to 6-7 on the year after hurling the complete game shutout. Nichols struck out six in the win and allowed just two Pirate hits.

Notables

· Xiomara Santiago stepped in pinch hit in the bottom of the third inning and registered an RBI single, her second hit of the season.

· Ashley Threatt extended her on-base streak to a team-leading seven games with a hit in the first inning.

· Baylee Smith scored a career-high four runs for the Tigers. She reached base in all four of her at bats.

· Mariah Nichols pitched her second complete game shutout of the season. She struck out six en route to her sixth win of the year.

· Regan Hadley led Memphis with three RBIs and two hits. Alyssa Dean also registered two hits for Memphis.

· The Tigers drew seven walks in the ball game while striking out just three times.

· Baylee Smith and Hannah Bassham recorded stolen bases.

Up Next

Memphis will take on ECU in the rubber match Sunday morning at 11 a.m. For more information on the Memphis softball team, follow the Tigers on social media at @MemphisSoftball.