Syracuse University
Morehead State
Orange Sweeps on Day One
2/12/2011 5:32:20 PM | Softball
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Syracuse 9, Morehead State 0
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DECATUR, Ga. - Syracuse (2-0) defeated Morehead State (0-1), 9-0, in game two of the Georgia State Tournament on Saturday afternoon. It marks the first time in program history the Orange has opened the season at 2-0.
SU was dominant from the beginning, junior pitcher Jenna Caira held the Eagles hitless through the first four innings and earned her ninth career shutout win, striking out five while allowing no earned runs and only walking one through 6.0 innings of work.
Offensively, eight different players notched hits for the Orange, led by junior first baseman Kelly Saco who was 2-for-3 at the plate with a home run. Classmate Stephanie Watts was 1-for-2 with an RBI and a run scored while catcher Lacey Kohl was also 1-for-2 with a pair of RBI and a run scored. Freshman Shirley Daniels recorded her first collegiate hit and scored a run, while sophomore shortstop Morgan Nandin was 1-for-2 with a run scored. Sophomore centerfielder Veronica Grant was 1-for-3 with a run scored and a stolen base while senior Hallie Gibbs drove in three runs.
Watts started things off for the Orange in the bottom of the first, drawing a leadoff walk and advanced to second on a ground out by Grant. Sophomore Lisaira Daniels walked to put two aboard and Watts moved to third on a passed ball. L. Daniels stole second and a single to centerfield by Kohl brought both runners in, giving the Orange an early 2-0 advantage.
Syracuse increased its advantage in the bottom of the second and Nandin sent a one-out single into left and advanced to second on a ground out by senior Rachel Helman. Watts doubled to left field, bringing in Nandin to bump the lead, 3-0.
The offensive outburst continued into the bottom of the sixth as Saco led off the inning with a solo shot to left field. Freshman third baseman Jasmine Watson drew a walk and sophomore Emily Thompson entered to pinch run at first. An infield single by S. Daniels put two on for the Orange and junior Leah Porter drew a pinch-hit walk to load the bases. Sophomore Ashley Dimon drew a bases loaded pinch-hit walk to bring in Thompson, upping the SU lead, 5-0.
A Morehead State pitching change couldn't end the rally as Grant re-entered to pinch run for Dimon and a wild pitch scored S. Daniels while advancing Porter and Grant to scoring position. MSU pitcher Ashley Boyd intentionally walked Kohl to load the bases for the Orange before starter Ashley Imperial re-entered to face Gibbs. Gibbs doubled to centerfield, clearing the bases to give the Orange a 9-0 run rule victory.
Syracuse and Morehead State meet again tomorrow at 10 a.m. before the Orange concludes tournament action against host Georgia State at 12:15 p.m.
