Lady'Backs Take No. 16 Florida to Extra Innings

FAYETTEVILLE-In the Arkansas softball team’s first extra inning game of the season, freshman pitcher Katy Henry (3-6) recorded six strikeouts and four hits in eight complete innings.

The Lady Razorbacks (10-21, 0-8) fell 2-1 and 9-0 to No. 16 Florida (23-6, 2-0), Saturday, March 19, in Southeastern Conference play. Arkansas and Florida conclude the SEC series Sunday at 1 p.m. at Lady’Back Yard.

Arkansas head coach Jamie Pinkerton said he was happy with the Lady’Backs showing especially Henry’s outing in the series opener.

“I think the first game was the best game we’ve played this season,” Pinkerton said. “We matched them pitch for pitch. I was really, extremely pleased with Katy Henry’s performance.”

Arkansas took a 1-0 lead in the bottom of the third inning. With two outs, junior outfielder Mindy O’Malley reached base on a fielder’s choice.

Sophomore outfielder Rachel LeMaster followed with an infield single. After a wild throw to first base, O’Malley advanced to third and scored as Florida sophomore right fielder Michelle Diaz overthrew third base. LeMaster attempted to take third base but was tagged out as she returned to second.

Henry didn’t allow a run until the top of the fourth inning as she gave up a solo home run to freshman designated player Savana Kelly to tie the game 1-1.

In the top of the eighth inning, Florida scored one run on two hits. Sophomore shortstop Lauren Roussell scored after she doubled and then advanced to third base on a sacrifice bunt. Junior feft fielder Lindsey Cameron recorded the RBI single to give Florida its first lead of the game.

In the second game, Florida took a 1-0 lead in the top of the second inning. The Gators scored one run on three hits.

The game remained 1-0 until the top of the fifth inning when Florida scored three on three hits including two home runs to lead 4-0.

Pinkerton said Arkansas was hampered by its pitching, as the Lady’Backs gave up 14 hits in the second game a contrast to the four in the first game of the day.

“In the second game, I thought we came out and played well for the first four innings,” Pinkerton said. “We just didn’t get it done in the circle.”

Sophomore pitcher Cassy Long (0-1) recorded the loss in her first start of the season. Junior pitcher Linzee Roby, freshman pitcher Kelly Ninemire and Henry threw in relief.

For more information on Arkansas softball, log on to www.ladybacks.com.