May 15, 2010
Wichita Falls, Texas – Britney Tanner and Katie Peterson combined to hold St. Mary’s University to just one hit, while Mallory Mooney’s sacrifice fly was the difference as fifth-ranked Midwestern State University defeated the Rattlers, 2-1, in the first game of the NCAA South Central Region Tournament Saturday morning at the MSU Softball Complex. With the loss, St. Mary’s falls to 34-20 overall this season, while MSU improved to 51-8. The Rattlers will now play an elimination game at 4:30 p.m. today against West Texas A&M University.
The Rattlers struck the first blow in the game. With one out in the first inning, Lauren Miller (Jr., Baytown, Texas) reached second on an error by right fielder Courtney Bingham. One out later, Kelly Baker (Jr., Arlington, Texas) smacked a single to center, scoring Miller with the first run of the game.
The Mustangs responded in the bottom of the first inning. With one out, Elena Bennett beat out a bunt single. Bingham followed with a double to put runners at second and third. Lauren Craig then tied the game with single to left, scoring Bennett. Bingham advanced to third on the throw to home plate and came home when Mooney lofted a fly ball to right, making the score 2-1 MSU.
From there the game settled into a pitcher’s duel. The Mustangs allowed single base runners in the second and third innings on a walk and an error, but Tanner then retired the last five batters she faced. Peterson came on to pitch in the fifth inning for the Mustangs and limited the Rattlers to one base runner in three innings, with that coming on an error, to earn the save.
Taryn Munoz (Sr., Bulverde, Texas) bounced back from the first inning and shut out MSU over the final five innings of the game. She fell to 22-13 with the loss, allowing two runs on nine hits and two walks, while striking out two.
Midwestern State 2, St. Mary’s 1 (May 15, 2010 at Wichita Falls, Texas)
St. Mary’s (Texas).. 100 000 0 – 1 1 0 (34-20)
Midwestern State…. 200 000 X – 2 9 3 (51-8)
Pitchers: St. Mary’s (Texas) – Taryn Munoz and Kelly Baker. Midwestern State – Britney Tanner; Katie Petersen (5) and Lauren Craig.
Win – Britney Tanner(20-2)
Save – Katie Petersen(3)
Loss-Taryn Munoz (22-13)
T – 1:55
A – 300