April 24, 2010
Box Score
PHILADELPHIA - The La Salle softball team once again put a scare into one of the conference's leading teams, but came up just short in a 3-2 eight-inning loss at Charlotte followed by a 1-0 loss in the nightcap. Shannon Skomorucha led the Explorer offense with a two-run home run.
Both contests proved to be pitcher's duels. Neither team got on the board in the first game until the bottom of the sixth and only one run crossed in the second game.
The 49ers struck first with two runs on a Tenaya Tucker two-run double, but the Explorers matched that with two runs in the next frame. DJ Guinn reached when she was hit by a pitch and one out later, Skomorucha lofted the long ball over the left field fence to also score pinch runner Heather Brabazon.
The Niners went down in order in the bottom of the seventh to send the game to extras. Gina Massaro led off the eighth and reached base on a Niner fielding error and made it to third base on two consecutive sac bunts by Ali Shepherd and Mary Pat Conville, but Niner pitcher and career strikeout leader Emily Jeffery ended the Explorer eighth with a K.
The home team brought in the winning run on a Briana Gwaltney single up the middle.
Massaro pitched a complete game, giving up three runs on eight hits, striking out seven and walking two. Jeffery went the distance as well, giving up two runs on three hits, striking out 10 and walking two.
The nightcap was once again about pitching and defense as neither team could get offensive momentum going. The lone run of the game crossed the plate in the bottom of the third when Serena Smith scored just prior to the tag being applied on another baserunner for the third out of the inning.
The Explorers had an opportunity in the second inning with bases loaded and one out. Angelina Bisbiglia drew a leadoff walk and one out later, DJ Guinn smacked a single through the left side. Skomorucha followed up with a walk before Niner pitcher Gina Allen got out of the inning on a strikeout and groundout.
Guinn threw a complete game for the Explorers, scattering six hits and giving up one unearned run. She also struck out two and walked two. Allen went 2.1 innings in taking the start for the home team, giving up no runs on two hits, striking out one and walking one. Katy Hackett earned the win, going the remaining 4.2 innings. She gave up no runs on two hits, struck out six and walked one.
The Explorers return home on Tuesday for a non-conference doubleheader against Lehigh, starting at 3:00 PM.
