Mack Homers in 6-3 Loss to East Carolina

Saturday, March 21

Memphis, Tenn.

2 p.m.

University of Memphis

8-21, 1-7

East Carolina

21-11, 5-3

East Carolina

Memphis

Mar 21, 2026 | Softball

Box Score

MEMPHIS, Tenn. – The University of Memphis (8-21, 1-7 American) softball team fell late by a score of 6-3 to East Carolina (21-11, 5-3 American) Saturday, setting up the rubber match for Sunday.

For the second game in a row, a freshman pitcher performed well for Memphis, but situational hitting struggles doomed the Tigers late.

HOW IT HAPPENED

After a pair of scoreless innings, East Carolina struck first with a three-run home run off the bat of Trinity Nichols.
- Taylor Caton struck out the following batter for her fourth of the game to end the inning.
Memphis played its own brand after a leadoff double by Deana Cunningham, working a first-and-third situation beautifully for a steal of home by Cunningham.
- Caton, who singled while attempting to bunt Cunningham to third, stole second on the play.
Taylor Caton logged two strikeouts in the top of the fourth to set a new career high of six punch outs through four innings.
In the bottom half, Jasmine Mack got Memphis on the board with a line-drive home run over the left-field wall.
After East Carolina's Jenna Krol was hit by a pitch and pinch run for, Gabby Fowler skied a ball to shallow left-center that fell with a small assist from the wind to bring the pinch runner home.
The Tigers had a quick answer in the bottom of the fifth on an RBI single by Ariel Davis that brought Cunningham home.
- Cunningham reached earlier on a hit-by-pitch.
In the sixth inning, a pair of walks and a fielding error led to a two-run inning for the Pirates on an RBI single by Kanisha Anderson and an RBI hit-by-pitch by Krol.
- It was the second time Krol was hit in the game.
Memphis stranded runners on second and third in the bottom half after a double by Faith Brown and a walk by Mya Clark.
Taylor Caton logged her eighth strikeout in the seventh inning to keep the deficit at three runs.
Down to their final outs, Memphis fouled out, struck out and popped out to end the game.

NOTABLES

In the circle, Taylor Caton pitched her first career complete game, striking out eight batters and only issuing three walks.
- Caton also logged one hit on a bunt single and notched a stolen base.
- It was the first time a Tiger struck out at least eight since Rylee Dugar logged eight against Arkansas Pine-Bluff on April 17, 2024.
- It was the most in an American Conference game since Taniyah Brown's nine strikeouts in a March 28, 2024, loss to UTSA. Brown's performance was also the most recent outing with at least eight strikeouts by a freshman.
Jasmine Mack launched her second home run of the season in the loss, moving her into a tie with Faith Brown for the second-most extra-base hits on the season with eight.
- The home run also gave her 10 RBI on the season.
Deana Cunningham logged a double and two runs scored, reaching a total of three times with a walk and hit-by-pitch.
Ariel Davis was 1-for-4 in the loss with an RBI single.
- Davis now has 30 hits on the year and 15 RBI, both marks that lead the Tigers.
Isabella Hune was 1-for-2 in the game with an infield single.
Faith Brown recorded her fourth double of the season.
Kayla Clement recorded a stolen base after entering to pinch run for Mya Clark.
Mya Clark walked and was hit by a pitch in her first start since March 8 against South Florida.

UP NEXT

The rubber match is set for a noon start tomorrow with Memphis looking for its first series win of the year. The game will be broadcast on ESPN+.

SINGLE GAME TICKETS ON SALE NOW

Single-game tickets are on sale for the 2026 season. Ticket prices will vary based on seat location (standing room only or reserved bleachers), denoted by a color-coded wristband.

Tickets will be free for all current University of Memphis students. Up to two fans ages 17 and under will be allowed free admission per paid adult that enters with them. Please note that tickets for children ages 17 and under will be for the standing room only section. Reserved seating tickets must be purchased if adults would like them to have a seat in the bleachers.

As a reminder, fans are not permitted to bring umbrellas into the venue and Tigers Softball Complex has a clear bag policy.

Tickets can be purchased using THIS LINK.

HOW TO FOLLOW THE TIGERS

For complete information on Memphis Tigers Softball, visit www.GoTigersGo.com and follow the team's social media channels on Twitter, Instagram , and Facebook.