April 16, 2008

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HATTIESBURG, Miss. - South Alabama's Amanda Leggett and Beth Pilgrim shattered four hits over seven innings, in combining for a 4-0 shutout against Southern Miss Wednesday night at the USM Softball Complex.

Southern Miss falls to 22-22 on the season, while USA snapped a five-game losing streak improved to 19-24.

"I was disappointed in the way we came out to play today," head coach Howard Dobson said. "We have to do a better job of coming and out and being willing to play and give the effort it takes to win."

Leggett (6-9) got the win South Alabama, striking out four and not allowing a walk, while Lana Vaughn (4-5) took the loss for the Lady Eagles.

The Jaguars got on the board first in the top of the second inning when Jenny Stevens led off with single and stole second. Taylor Rich then singled down the right field line to plate Stevens.

Lauren Castellvi recorded the Lady Eagles' first hit when she hit a two-out double to right center, but was left stranded.

USA's Steven recorded her second hit of the game with no outs in the fourth, but Vaughn was able to retire the final three batters of the inning.

Southern Miss put a runner in scoring position after Megan Hill singled up the middle, then stole second. The Eagles could not push the run across the plate as Leggett got Kristin Pilgrim to pop out to second and Logan James flew out to center.

South Alabama added another run in the fifth after Evelyne Pare drew a walk then advanced to second on a ground out by Courtney Chigaros. Autumn Hudson hit a deep fly to right field, but Pare advanced to third on the tag. Tara Donaldson singled up the middle to score Pare.

In the bottom of the frame, Jennifer Fox singled, but the Leggett got out of the inning with into a double play.

The Jaguars pushed two more runs across the plate in the sixth. Stevens led off the inning with a double to center field. Kristen Hayes reached on an error by the first baseman, allowing Steven to advance all the way to third base. Rich reach on a fielder's choice, but the throw to home was wide and Steven scored. USA got the final run on a pass ball that allowed pinch runner Julie Morton to score from third.

Beth Pilgrim came on to pitch for the Jaguars and gave up one hit when Chaney singled to left field in the bottom of the sixth inning. Pilgrim then retired the last four batters.

"We have to bounce back from this game and come out play hard against Marshall," Dobson said. "Marshall is playing good ball right now. Their season record doesn't look as good, but they have done pretty well in the conference."

Southern Miss remains at home, hosting Marshall in a C-USA three-game series Saturday and Sunday. First pitch of the double-header is scheduled for 1 p.m., Saturday, with the second game set for 3 p.m. Sunday's game is slated for noon.