Sunday, February 26, 2012

TSU Tigers Defeat Northwestern Seed, Earn No. 2 Seed

FAYETTEVILLE, Arkansas  - The Tigers used a balanced attack and solid pitching on Saturday morning to pick up a second win at the University of Arkansas Tournament. TSU improved to 4-3 as they defeated Northwestern State 4-1.

Tennessee State lived by the same offensive recipe for the first four innings; leadoff singles, move the runner over, clutch base hit. Tedra Alford got things started in the first inning with a sharp single through the left side of the infield and scored three batters later when Devn Amar dropped a ball into left center, giving the Tigers an early 1-0 lead.

Ashley Haynes held the honors by opening the bottom of the second with a single. Three batters later it was Tayler Shimizu who stepped up with the clutch two-out hit to plate Haynes, making the score 2-1 after two innings of play.

In the third inning, it was Jennifer Givens who took the lead role with a single back to the pitcher. After a stolen base, Jordan Rehl drove a ball through the right side of the infield allowing Givens to cross home plate and extending the lead to 3-1.

Kelly Troglin notched her first hit of the season to open the fourth. Troglin was erased at second base as Alford reached on a fielders choice. After a swipe of second base by Alford, Givens ripped a ball into center that drove in Alford for a 4-1 Tennessee State advantage after four.

Shea Morris would make the score stick as she improved to 3-1 on the season. The freshman surrendered a solo home run to Samantha Roberts in the second that tied the score at 1-1 at the time. Roberts would add a single to first base in the seventh and those would be the only two hits (Shea) Morris would allow on the day.

The pitching product from Lawrenceburg, Tenn. scattered three walks along the way and struck out a career high eight batters.

TSU finished as the #2 seed after pool play and will take on Jackson State in the first semifinal of the day. Game time is set for 2:30 p.m.

COURTESY: TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

No comments: