Strong Pitching Ends Memphis Losing Streak

Saturday, April 5

Memphis, Tenn.

1 PM

University of Memphis

17-19, 1-8

UTEP

23-14, 4-6

UTEP

Memphis

Apr 05, 2008 | Softball

Box Score 1 Box Score 2

April 5, 2008

Box Score |  Notes

For Immediate Release
Contact: Brandon Kolditz
wkolditz@memphis.edu, (901) 871-5475

Game One
UTEP     000 000 0 - 0  6  0
Memphis  000 100 x - 1  4  1
WP: Bossom (8-8) LP (Townsend (10-7)
2B: (MEM) Hayden (3), Mott (3)
    (UTEP) Townsend (10), Lodes (5)

Game Two
UTEP (23-16, 4-7)     010 010 0 - 2  4  2
Memphis (18-19, 2-8)  011 301 x - 6  5  0
WP: McClinton (3-3) LP: Curran (5-4)
2B: (UTEP) Bennett (9), Holland (6)
HR: (MEM) Gross (2), (UTEP) Perez (4)

Game One Box Score in PDF Format
Game Two Box Score in PDF Format

MEMPHIS - Snapping a program worst eight-game losing streak, the University of Memphis softball team won both games of a doubleheader to open a three-game series with UTEP at the Tiger Softball Complex on Saturday.

The 1-0 shutout and 6-2 victory are the first wins in Conference USA play for the Tigers this season who improve to 18-19 overall and 2-8 in the league.

Dominant performances in the circle for Memphis provided the legwork for the U of M. The Tigers outscored the Miners 7-2 in the two games and walked three with 17 strikeouts, while allowing 10 hits.

Freshman Kimber Bossom (8-8) earned her third shutout of the season to open the day. The Dayton, Texas, native pitched out of several jams to hold UTEP scoreless. Bossom finished with six strikeouts, no walks and six hits allowed.

In game two, freshman Rayna McClinton (3-3) had her third-straight strong outing on the mound. The Columbia, S.C., native struck out a team season high 11 batters and allowed two runs on four hits with three walks. The 11 K's ties for fourth all-time in school history. McClinton has allowed four hits or less in her last three starts.

After scoring only 11 runs during its eight-game losing streak, the Tigers broke out for seven on the day. Memphis was led by a three-run homer from junior second baseman Tori Gross in game two that resulted in the eventual game winning run.

Redshirt-freshman Heather Mott knocked in the winning run in the first game on the U of M's second-straight double. Junior catcher scored the run after reaching on a double down the left line.

In game one, Bossom pitched out of UTEP scoring threats in the first, sixth and seventh innings. The Miners opened up the game with back-to-back one-out hits after Bossom had fallen behind in the counts. With runners on second and third and one out, Ashley Perez grounded out to first unassisted and Simone Holland ended the inning on a groundout to third.

After retiring 10-straight in the second-through fifth innings, Bossom allowed two-straight hits up the middle to open the sixth inning. The Miners moved the runners to second and third with a groundout for the second out, but Holland fouled out to third base to end the inning.

In the seventh inning, the Miners loaded the bases with one out and needing one run to tie. Bossom got a pivotal strikeout swinging of Amber Bennett for the second out and then got UTEP leading hitter Camilla Carrera to groundout to third to end the game.

Memphis scored its one run in the fourth inning, while leaving seven runners on base. The Tigers stranded the bases loaded in the sixth inning after putting runners on second and third with one out. UTEP starting pitcher Stacie Townsend (10-7) struck out two to end the inning and finished the game with a career high 12 strikeouts.

The Miners struck first in the second game with a solo home run in the second by Ashley Perez. Memphis answered, however, in the second inning with a RBI fielder's choice by freshman Kailey Kassner to score Hayden from third.

The Tigers scored another run in the third inning when junior Leila Dolfo came home on a wild pitch. Gross then broke the game open with her second home run of the season in the fourth inning to score three. The San Diego, native swung away on a full count after having missed a sacrifice bunt attempt.

UTEP gained a run back in the fifth inning on an RBI double by Bennett, but Memphis answered with a run in the sixth on a sacrifice fly from Dolfo to score pinch runner Sara Schneider.

Memphis will look to sweep the three-game series with UTEP on Sunday in the final contest at noon at the U of M's Park Avenue Campus.

The game can be followed live through GameTracker. Live streaming video and audio is also available for All-Access subscribers with Dan O'Brien calling the play-by-play.

Tomorrow's game is Super Senior Sunday with all senior citizens over 55 receiving $2 admission. Regular admission is $5 for adults 13 and up and $3 for senior citizens and youth ages 6-12. Children 5 and under and U of M students with their ID card get in free.