LeMaster Takes Two Hits Lady'Backs Edged

STARKVILLE, Miss.-Sophomore right fielder Rachel LeMaster led the University of Arkansas softball team (15-34, 1-19) with two hits as the Lady Razorbacks fell to Mississippi State (29-22, 9-13) 2-1, Sunday, April 17, in Starkville, Miss.

With two hits in the series finale, LeMaster has 63 this season, which ties Dana Gulick for fifth in the Arkansas record books for hits in a season. LeMaster can move up the list as the Lady’Backs have 13 regular season games remaining.

Despite the series not going the way the Lady’Backs hoped, softball head coach Jamie Pinkerton said he sees the improvement in his squad.

“We continue to get better,” Pinkerton said. “I like the way we played. This is the first series we played three, one-run games. I was really happy with (Sarah) Topham’s outings.”

Arkansas scored first as the Lady’Backs took a 1-0 lead in the top of the third inning. The Lady’Backs forced Mississippi State starting pitcher sophomore Stephanie Comeaux to the bench after Arkansas chalked three hits.

With two outs, LeMaster drew a walk before junior center fielder Mindy O’Malley singled to left field recording her 38th hit of the year.

Senior third baseman Ashley Carter followed with a RBI single to right field allowing LeMaster to score giving the Lady’Backs the lead.

Mississippi State answered with a run to tie the game at 1-1 after the Bulldogs posted a walk, a sacrifice bunt, a single and took advantage of an Arkansas error in the bottom of the third.

The Bulldogs took its first lead of the game 2-1 when freshman shortstop Courtney Bures hit a leadoff, solo home run over the left field wall in the fourth inning.

Freshman pitcher Katy Henry replaced sophomore pitcher Sarah Topham after she threw three and one-third innings. Topham gave up four hits and one earned run.

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