March 28, 2006

Western vs. ETSU - Game One Final Stats

Western vs. ETSU - Game Two Final Stats

Cullowhee, N.C. - Stepping out of conference before visiting rival Appalachian State this weekend, the Western Carolina Catamount softball team dropped a pair in non-conference action Tuesday afternoon, falling 16-6 and 4-1 at East Tennessee State in Johnson City, Tenn., at the Metro-Kiwanis Park.

Western (22-12, 3-0 SoCon) dropped back-to-back games for the first-time since losing five-straight at the beginning of March. The doubleheader sweep also marked the first twin bill loss since falling to Pittsburgh in Cullowhee on March 7. The Catamounts had won nine of their last 10 entering Tuesday's affair, and 12-of-14 after the five game skid.

The Buccaneers used 13 hits to record 16 runs, the most ever allowed by WCU, to win game one despite the Catamounts adding to their SoCon-leading home run tally with four homers. ETSU's 13 hits ties an opponent season-high marking the fourth-time this season teams have reached the baker's dozen against Western pitching. Also, five Catamount errors did not help matters for the visitors.

Freshman Allyson McCubbins led Western going 2-for-3 in the opener with a home run accounting for her RBI and run scored. Junior Ashley Adams belted a two-run homer in the top of the first inning to give WCU the lead to finish 1-for-2 with a walk and two RBI. McCubbins and Adams each lead the Catamount squad with 10 home runs apiece. Also recording round trippers for the Catamounts were freshman Heather Pritchard (5) and freshman Jenny Jackson (6).

After taking the early advantage, 2-0, after the top of the first, Western gave it back by surrendering a two-spot in the bottom of the second to tie the game at two. A half inning later, the Catamounts would reclaim the lead on back-to-back long balls as McCubbins led off with a home run to center field and was followed by Pritchard's blast, also to center, to chase Lady Buc starter, Brittney Lehrschall. Western was unable to add any more to the 4-2 lead, though, stranding the bases loaded.

ETSU (11-22) led off the home half of the third with a home run to center and would add an additional run in the frame to tie the game at four after three. But it was the bottom of the fourth that inevitably sealed WCU's fate. The Buccaneers pushed across eight runs on six hits, including a three-run homer, and two Catamount errors to bust open the otherwise close game. Western added two runs in the top of the fifth as Adams walked and Jackson hit a two run bomb to right center, but East Tennessee State tacked on four runs a half inning later to force the run-rule.

Western starting pitcher, freshman Mendy McKenzie, threw two and a third innings allowing four runs, only two of which were earned, on five hits while walking and striking out one. Sophomore Savannah Filley had a rough outing after earning the victory in her last appearance versus Furman, allowing 12 runs, nine of which were earned, on eight hits while walking three and striking out one.

Western Carolina's fourth pitcher - and normal starting first baseman - freshman Lauren Ross suffered her first career loss in the second game, tossing three innings surrendering four runs, two of which were earned, on just one hit. However, the Hope Mills, N.C., native walked five while striking out one. Jackson pitched the final three innings in relief scoreless, surrendering just one hit as WCU combined for the two-hitter.

Offense was the trouble-spot for the Catamounts in the second game, which as rarely been the case for Western this season. WCU, which ranks second in the SoCon in hitting, recorded seven base knocks in the game, but stranded eight base runners in the loss.

After falling behind 3-0 after the first two innings, Western Carolina lit the scoreboard in the top of the third when freshman Stephanie Beatty reached on the lone ETSU error. Beatty was successfully sacrificed to second by freshman Samm Keppel, but was gunned down at third on a fielder's choice by Pritchard after McCubbins had walked to put two on. The next batter, Filley, delivered an RBI single to left, with McCubbins scoring on the play. However, still with two on and two out, Western was unable to plate any additional runs in the frame. The Lady Bucs added a single run in the home half of the fourth and forced the Catamounts to strand four runners after the fourth inning.

McCubbins again led WCU at the plate, going 2-for-2 with a double and a pair of walks in the second game. Jackson went 2-for-3, with Pritchard, Filley, and Adams each adding one hit apiece. The six-through-nine hitters for Western, however, were a combined 0-for-11. All told, McCubbins went 4-for-5 with a homer, double, two walks, and scored two runs while Jackson went 3-for-5 with two RBI.

The Catamounts try and get back on the winning track this Saturday and Sunday, visiting rival Appalachian State for a three-game set in Boone at the Watagua County Complex. Western and ASU have met once previously this season in non-conference tournament play, with the Mountaineers claiming a 5-4 win in eight innings on a fielding error by the Cats in WCU's first-ever extra inning loss. ASU (14-16, 3-3 SoCon) will host the Buccaneers on Thursday for a doubleheader before entertaining Western over the weekend. First pitch of Saturday's doubleheader is set for 1:00 pm, as is Sunday's third and final game.