April 13, 2008

Box Score

Winston-Salem, N.C. - Bethune-Cookman University had to hold on late on Sunday as the Wildcats closed out a series sweep of Winston-Salem State University by a score of 4-2 on the road at South Park Field in Winston-Salem, N.C.

As a team, the Lady Rams of WSSU (15-18) totaled just four hits in the loss, while allowing 10 hits to the B-CU Wildcats (16-30). However, the team's defensive efforts held the Lady Wildcats in check, but the three WSSU errors would prove costly in the loss as the Lady Rams allowed three unearned runs to the 'Cats.

B-CU jumped on top first in the first frame with two runs that proved to be big. Senior first baseman Brandi Holley registered an infield single and then advanced to scoring position on an illegal pitch by the Lady Rams' starting hurler Amber Shore. Brittani Austin recorded an RBI on an error charged to the WSSU infield moments later that crossed Holley, as well as teammate Holly Bussey to put the 'Cats up 2-0.

B-CU got another run in the top of the third frame when Bussey reached on a filder's choice that allowed Austin to score her second RBI of the day with a single past the glove of WSSU third baseman Brittany Hull.

B-CU led 3-0 heading into the fifth inning. That's when Austin--toating the hot bat all weekend, posted her third RBI of the day with a RBI double down the left field line scoring Allison Garcia from second base. That out the Maroon and Gold up 4-0.

WSSU got on the board in the sixth with their only runs of the day.

The Lady Rams would show their resolve, however, rallying with a pair of sixth inning runs to their deficit in half. A single by WSSU sophomore infielder Whitney Hall would break up the hitless effort by the Lady Rams. Sophomore outfielder Devyn Gillette would follow the hit with an RBI double to centerfield to drive in the first run of the game for the Lady Rams. Gillette would make it to third base, following a sacrifice bunt by junior first baseman Desiree Ramirez. Spinks would then add an RBI single, scoring Gillette and leaving the Lady Rams behind 4-2. After cutting the deficit down to just two runs, the Lady Rams could not get any more runs across the plate and would end the day with the loss.

The Wildcats' Garcia colelcted the win to improve her record to 14-15 on the year, as well as earning her 10th consecutive victory in the circle for the Chris Cochran coached Wildcats from Daytona Beach, Fla. The freshman from Chino Hills, Calif. went seven strong innings for the 'Cats allowing two earned runs on four hits with three strikeouts to boot.

The loss went to the Lady Rams' Shore who dropped to 8-10 on the year. She allowed four runs (one earned), 10 hits, walked three and struck-out four in the complete-game effort.

B-CU was led at the plate by the efforts of Garcia who was a perfect 4-for-4 at the plate with a run scored. Right beside her was Texas native Austin who was 2-for-4 with four RBI.

B-CU returns the diamond again on Apr. 19 when they host conference foe North Carolina A&T to Daytona Beach. The game site is still to be determined, and may be played at nearby Daytona Beach College.

For more information, please stay tuned to the official B-CU athletic website at www.BCCathletics.com. You can also call the B-CU Office of Sports Information at (386) 481-2206.