Orange Softball Stops Losing Streak with Win Versus #22 Florida State

Saturday, March 19

Fullerton, Calif.

TBA

Syracuse University

vs. #22 Florida State (Kia Classic)

Melissa Kelly singled home two runs to help SU to its third win against a ranked team this season.

Orange Softball Stops Losing Streak with Win Versus #22 Florida State

3/20/2005 12:43:08 AM | Softball

Box Score

FULLERTON, Calif. – Senior Melissa Kelly drove in two runs with a bases-loaded single in the top of the eighth inning to propel the Syracuse softball team to a 4-3 extra-inning victory versus 22^nd-ranked Florida State at the Kia Classic on Saturday, March 19. The victory snapped a four-game losing streak for the Orange and improved the team’s record to 10-8. The Seminoles are now 20-12.

The win was SU’s third versus a ranked opponent this season and second against the Seminoles, a participant in last season’s Women’s College World Series. Prior to the 2005 campaign, Syracuse had never defeated FSU and owned just two wins against top-25 teams.

Syracuse had five hits in the game and was aided by five hit batters. SU’s four runs stopped a four-game streak without crossing the plate. Junior Alexis Switenko had two hits and scored a run. Senior Tiffany Robinson, freshman Chanel Roehner and Kelly each singled. Senior Tanya Rose scored two of SU’s four runs.

Freshman Erin Downey (4-3) was the winning pitcher for the Orange. She threw all eight innings, allowing two earned runs. Downey struck out 11 without giving up a walk. It was her third double-digit strikeout performance of the season. Casey Hunter (10-10) was the loser in relief for the Seminoles.

The Orange threatened in the top of the first, but was unable to convert a bases-loaded situation. The Seminoles scored in their first at-bat to take a 1-0 lead. The advantage would hold until the Orange’s at-bat in the sixth inning. Two hit batters and a walk loaded the bases for sophomore Jen Elderbroom. Elderbroom was hit by a pitch to force home the run.

For the second time this season, SU and Florida State went to extra innings. The international tiebreaker was used in the extra frame with the last out of the previous inning starting on second base. Syracuse netted three runs in the top of the eighth. After Rose was put on second, Switenko singled advancing Rose to third. Senior Shawna Norris then laid down a sacrifice, but the Seminoles could not record an out, allowing the go-ahead run to score. Senior Katie Kaempfer was hit by yet another pitch to load the bases and Kelly delivered with a two-run single to give the Orange a 4-1 lead.

The Seminoles came back to cut the lead to 4-3 when Tatiana George led off the inning with a two-run home run. Downey was able to seal the deal, however, inducing two ground balls and a strikeout to earn the victory.

With the win, Syracuse earned the right to play one more game at the Kia Classic. SU will face the winner of the Cal State Fullerton vs. Nebraska game at 1:30 p.m. EST on Sunday, March 20.