Softball edged, 2-0, by Kansas in pitchers' duel at Coach B Southern Classic :: Salukis go 1-1 in first day of tournament; will face No. 5/6 Northwestern and Bradley on Sunday

Salukis go 1-1 in first day of tournament; will face No. 5/6 Northwestern and Bradley on Sunday

March 1, 2008

By Kyle Herm
www.SIUSalukis.com

CARBONDALE, Ill. - Following a 5-0 victory on nine hits in the first game of the Coach B Southern Classic against Western Illinois, the Southern Illinois softball team dropped its second game on Saturday afternoon to Kansas, 2-0.

Freshman pitcher Danielle Glosson only surrendered three hits, but three Saluki errors proved to be difference-maker in the loss.

Kansas starting pitcher Valerie George matched Glosson's performance in the circle, tossing a complete-game shutout with three hits, and nine strikeouts to earn her sixth win of the season.

Senior outfielder Tiffanie Dismore, junior third baseman Katie Wagner, and sophomore second baseman Alicia Garza provided the lone hits for the Salukis.

The Jayhawks and Salukis played scoreless first, second and third innings, as Glosson and George struck out three and five batters apiece to shutdown any offense for either team.

Kansas ended the scoreless innings streak in the top of the fourth. With two outs and a runner on second base, catcher Brittany Hile nailed a hard line-drive to SIU right fielder, Katie Schmidt. The ball tipped off Schmidts glove, allowing the run to score to give KU a 1-0 lead. The run would eventually end up the game winner.

After a scoreless sixth inning, Southern Illinois had a chance to tie the game with senior center fielder Krystal Stein on third base, and Garza on first with two outs.

George however proved to be too much again, retiring pinch-hitter Chelsea Petty for her eighth strikeout of the game.

The Jayhawks pushed another run across in the final frame to make the final score, 2-0. Shortstop Stevie Crisosto started the top of the seventh with a lead-off walk, and two batters later stole second.

With two outs, first baseman Amanda Jobe delivered an RBI-single into shallow right center field to score Crisosto for the final run.

SIU had one last chance in the bottom of the seventh, but George retired the Salukis in order on a pair of pop-outs and a strikeout to end the game.

Southern Illinois fell to 10-5 on the season, while Kansas improved to 13-5. SIU will continue play at the Southern Classic at Charlotte West Stadium on Sunday against No. 5/6 Northwestern and Bradley at 3 p.m. and 5 p.m.