Syracuse University
Nevada
Orange Defeats Nevada in Extra Innings
2/27/2011 2:20:38 PM | Softball
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Syracuse 4, Nevada 3 (8 inn.)
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PALM SPRINGS, Calif. - Junior first baseman Kelly Saco hit an RBI single in the bottom of the eighth inning to lift Syracuse (11-2) to its second extra-innings win of the season against Nevada (3-11) on Sunday morning in game four of the Cathedral Classic. The Orange out-hit Nevada, 8-4, to extend its win streak to four.
Saco helped to lead the Orange offensively, going 2-for-4 while classmate Stephanie Watts was also 2-for-4 with a pair of runs scored. Freshman infielder Jasmine Watson hit her first career home run in the win while senior Rachel Helman, junior Lacey Kohl and sophomore Veronica Grant each added a hit.
Sophomore Stacy Kuwik earned the win in the circle for the Orange, improving to 4-1 on the season. Kuwik threw 5.0 innings, allowing one earned run while striking out five. Junior Jenna Caira entered in relief, holding the Wolf Pack without an earned run through 3.0 innings while striking out five.
Syracuse scored first, notching a run off of two hits in the bottom of the first inning. Watts led off the frame with a single to the left side and advanced to second on a wild pitch. Helman singled up the middle, advancing Watts to third on the play. Helman notched her first stolen base of the season to give the runners two in scoring position, and a ground out to second by junior Lisaira Daniels brough Watts home, 1-0.
Nevada evened the score with a run off three hits in the top of fourth, but Syracuse answered in the bottom of the frame. With one out in the bottom of the fourth, Watson lifted her first career home run over the left field fence, re-establishing the Orange lead, 2-1.
The Wolf Pack took advantage of two Orange errors to tie the game in the top of the sixth, 2-2, and the score held through the remainder of regulation to force extra innings.
The international tie breaker rule was instituted in the top of the eighth, with a runner placed on second base to start the inning. A pair of passed balls allowed Nevada to plate a run, taking its first lead of the contest, 3-2.
The Orange stood strong in the bottom of the eighth as Watts was placed on second and advanced to third on a ground out by Helman. A sacrifice fly to deep left field by Daniels allowed Watts room to tag and score, knotting the game, 3-3.
Kohl kept the rally going with a single to the left side and sophomore Emily Thompson entered to pinch run at first. A wild pitch moved Thompson to second and senior Hallie Gibbs walked her way on. Saco cemented the win with a single up the middle, scoring Thompson from second for the 4-3 win.
Syracuse concludes Cathedral Classic action against Cal State Fullerton at 2 p.m. ET
