University of Massachusets Athletics
University of Massachusetts
UAB
UMass Drops Pair Of 1-0 Decisions At Buzz Classic
March 04, 2011 | Softball
March 4, 2011
WOODSTOCK, Ga. - Despite an impressive 25 strikeouts and two hits allowed in 14 innings pitched by Sara Plourde, UMass softball (2-10) dropped a pair of 1-0 decisions, to Penn State (5-5) and UAB (11-6) in eight innings, on Friday at the Buzz Classic. A third-inning solo home run by Cassidy Bell was the difference against the Nittany Lions, while Caley Waldon drove in the lone run with an eighth-inning sacrifice fly for the Blazers.
The Minutewomen return to action on Saturday at the Buzz Classic with games against UNC-Greensboro at 11 a.m. and Kennesaw State at 1 p.m.
Plourde (2-8) allowed just two hits, one in each game, and one earned run, coming on Bell's home run to lead off the third against Penn State. The junior right-hander struck out 10 Nittany Lions, while walking five. Against UAB, Plourde fanned 15, tying her season high, while walking three and allowing just one hit, a two-out double in the fifth inning by Sallie Van Kirk.
With the International Speed-up Rule in use in extra innings, placing a runner at second base to start the inning, the Blazers used a sacrifice bunt to set up Walden's sacrifice fly to right field that scored Lauren Webster.
After starter Alisha Smith allowed just one hit through seven innings, a fourth-inning single by Meghan Carta, Leigh Streetman entered in relief in the eighth to strike out the side as UMass was unable to advance pinch-runner Jordan Storro past second base.
Against Penn State, after Plourde had stranded three runners in scoring position through the first two innings, Bell led off the third by hitting a 1-2 pitch over the center field fence for her first home run of the season.
Jackie Hill held UMass to four hits and three walks and struck out seven.
UMass left five runners on base against Penn State before stranding four against UAB.
