ATHENS, GA— The Winthrop softball team committed two mistakes in extra innings that came back to cost them in a 2-1 loss to Marshall in eight innings, Sunday afternoon at the 8th Annual Georgia Softball Classic.
With the game tied in the top of the eighth inning, Marshall batted and placed a runner at second in accordance with the international tie-breaking rules. Melissa Loesing was the runner at second, who came around to score the game-winning run. Amanda Lara laid down a sacrifice bunt to move the runner to third base, but it turned into a single as she beat the throw. However, the throw was mishandled by Brittany Stoudemire on a poor throw and that allowed Loesing to round third for home.
“This was a disappointing loss, but we played great,” said head coach Mark Cooke. “Natalie (Becker) pitched a tremendous ball game again. We got a very competitive game today, which is what we were hoping for at this tournament. We just didn't hit the ball all weekend.”
In the bottom of the eighth inning, Winthrop's McKenzie Corn pinch-ran for Kathryn Eberlin and was placed on second base to start. However, Corn was picked off at second for the first out followed by a strikeout by Megan Chapman. Jenna Harbin kept the team's chances alive as she singled to first base, but Teja Durante struck out swinging to end the game.
The Thundering Herd took the lead in the top of the third inning as Melanie Stoehr led off the inning with a home run to center field on a 3-2 count from Natalie Becker. Winthrop answered right back in the bottom half of the inning to tie the game. Durante tripled to right field and came around to score on an errant throw by Lara, the second baseman. Durante finished the game 2-for-4 and currently leads the team with a .429 average this season.
Becker was impressive on the mound for the second straight start, but suffered the loss and is now 2-3 on the year. Becker allowed one earned run in eight innings on six hits with two walks and nine strikeouts. She also held Marshall to just four balls that were hit in play out of the infield.
Winthrop is now 3-7 on the year and has lost five straight games. Marshall improved to 4-6 overall.
The Lady Eagles will be off for the next nine days before they face South Carolina on Wednesday, March 2 at 5 p.m. in a single-game for their home opener.
