BLOSSOMS DROP SERIES FINALE IN EXTRA INNINGS
MONTICELLO, Ark. – The University of Arkansas at Monticello softball team loses its series East Central after falling in the finale in extra innings Saturday. The Blossoms took the early lead but need late-game heroics to send the contest into extras before ultimately losing 8-7 in 11 innings at Alvy Early Softball Field.
UAM falls to 6-12 overall and 6-11 in Great American Conference play. ECU improves to 10-12 on the year and 6-10 in league contests.
The Blossoms threatened to get on the board early putting runners aboard in the first and second, but were unable to break through on the scoreboard.
In the third inning UAM would deliver with runners on base scoring three runs on two hits and three Tigers errors. Sierra Gasca scored the first run of the game on the second ECU error of the frame that allowed Haley Godeaux to reach. Madison Morrissey followed with an RBI-single to left that ended up scoring two runs thanks to a throwing error by the left fielder.
After working three scoreless frames, UAM starter Alexis Pevehouse allowed the Tigers to get on the board with a solo home run in the top of the fourth.
UAM responded in the bottom of the frame as Godeaux drove RBI-triple into the gap in right center and in the very next at bat Morrissey drove her home on an infield single putting the Blossoms up 5-1.
The first two hitters reached against Pevehouse in the fifth prompting a pitching change by the Blossoms. Sam Stephens took over on the bump and ECU welcomed her with a two-run double followed by a walk forcing UAM to go to the bullpen again.
Jamie Franks managed to get UAM out of the inning, but not before two more runs crossed for the Tigers to tie the game 5-5.
The Blossom reclaimed the lead in bottom of the fifth when Bailey Camp raced home to score on a wild pitch. However, that lead was short-lived as ECU put two runners on before UAM turned back to Pevehouse on the mound and took its first lead of the contest on a two-run double.
Pevehouse was able to limit the damage and keep the Blossoms’ deficit at 7-6 working a scoreless seventh.
With UAM down to its final out Sydney Webster sent the game into extra innings launching a two-out solo home run over the fence in left field.
Both offenses struggled to scratch a run across the plate over the next three innings as Pevehouse continued to work on the mound for the Blossoms.
ECU finally broke through in extra innings in the top of the 11th plating one run.
UAM was unable to muster a response in the home half of the frame ultimately falling 8-7 in 11 innings.
Morrissey paced the offense for the Blossoms going 4-of-5 with three RBIs.
Pevehouse (L, 1-1) took the loss in the contest allowing four runs on nine hits over 9.2 innings of work.
In relief, Stephens gave up two runs on one hit without recording an out and Franks surrendered two runs on four hits in 1.1 innings pitched.
Taia Harris (W, 5-0) earned the win dealing 6.0 innings in relief while giving up one run on two hits.
UP NEXT
The Blossom venture into non-conference play hosting Delta State for a doubleheader at Alvy Early Softball Field Tuesday, March 30. First pitch is set for 1 p.m.
