Drake shuts out Arkansas 10-0
TEMPE, ARIZ. – The University of Arkansas softball team lost its final game of the Wilson DeMarini Invitational 10-0 against Drake Sunday at Farrington Stadium.
The Lady Razorbacks (18-4) were out hit 9-2 and also committed four errors in the five-inning loss. Drake scored 10 runs in just three innings and improved to 7-8.
“As many breaks as we’ve had go our way the first half of the season, we didn’t catch any breaks today and we got into a hole quick,” said head coach Jamie Pinkerton. “After an emotional loss last night, I just didn’t have them mentally prepared to play this morning.”
Arkansas got behind early in the top of the first. Lead-off batter Kristin Birocci walked, before Elena Leon singled up the middle and Erin Mollohan reached on a dropped fly ball. With the bases loaded, Susan Slycord hit a grand slam home run to left field, giving the Bulldogs a quick 4-0 lead.
Senior Katy Henry started the game in the circle and was relieved by sophomore Miranda Dixon after facing just four batters.
After going down in order the first two innings, Arkansas had an opportunity to score in the third. Senior Samantha Buckner continued a 10-game hitting streak with a lead-off single to center field. Junior Hillary Freeman then reached on a fielder’s choice as Buckner was putout at second. Freeman stole second base and advanced to third on an infield single by sophomore Bachkora on two outs, but Drake was able to retire the side before any damage could be done.
In the top of the fourth, three Bulldog hits and two Lady’Back errors led to four more runs and put Drake up 8-0.
The Bulldogs led off the fifth with a double to right center by Jenna DeLong. Marilyn Buss singled up the middle scoring DeLong from second and reached third on another Arkansas error. Buss scored Drake’s 10th run on a wild pitch.
The Lady’Backs went down in order in the bottom of the fifth.
Brynne Dordel (5-2) was the winning pitcher. She threw a complete-game shutout giving up just two hits and fanning seven.
Henry (10-1) earned her first loss giving up four runs, three earned. Dixon pitched four innings in relief, giving up five hits and four runs, only one of which was earned. Freshman Layne McGuirt threw the final inning and gave up two runs on two hits and struck out two.
The Lady’Backs begin Southeastern Conference play on Saturday, March 8, traveling to South Carolina for a three-game series.
For more information about Arkansas softball, please log on to LADYBACKS.COM.
