TAMPA, Fla. (Feb. 14, 2007) ? The University of South Florida softball team lost both games of its doubleheader to in-state rival Florida, 2-1, 4-1, Wednesday afternoon at the USF Softball Field.
With the loss, the No. 24 Bulls' record drops to 3-4 on the year, while No. 19 Florida's improved to 6-1.
In game one, Florida opened up the scoring in the top of the first, taking a 2-0 lead. Back-to-back singles put runners on first and second with one out. A fielding error by the Bulls loaded up the bases and a fielder's choice and a base hit drove in the two runs.
For four-straight innings USF had a runner in scoring position but could not capitalize. Out of those chances, the Bulls' best opportunity to bring a runner home came in the third inning. With Tara Toscano at second base, Danielle Urbanik singled to shallow left field and Toscano tried to score, but was thrown out at home.
In the bottom of the seventh inning, USF got its offense going and had a chance to tie the game. After Ashley Bullion reached on a fielder's choice and advanced to second on a groundout, Britta Giddens came up to the plate and doubled to the gap in left center. With the tying run on and two outs, the Bulls couldn't bring the runner home and lost, 2-1.
Cristi Ecks was credited with her first loss of the year, dropping her record to 2-1. In six innings of work, the sophomore allowed two runs ? both were unearned ? on seven hits . With her five strikeouts in the game, Ecks moves into sole possession of ninth place in the USF record books with her 242 career Ks.
Freshman pitcher Kristen Gordon came in and pitched the seventh inning and didn't allow a hit or run while in the circle.
In game two, a leadoff walk in the second inning came back to hurt the Bulls, as Florida's Ali Gardiner drove in Melissa Zick for a 1-0 lead.
USF didn't wait too long to make its move and tied the score at one in the bottom of the fourth. With two outs, consecutive base hits and good base running put runners at the corners for Bullion, who drove in the equalizer with a single up the middle.
In the bottom of the sixth inning, the Bulls had two runners on base but could not bring them home to end the stalemate.
With one swing of the bat the Gators regained control of the game, as a solo home run by Gardiner gave Florida the 2-1 advantage. The Gators continued their offensive surge and closed out the top part of the seventh inning with a lead of 4-1.
With only one more chance to tie or win the game, Florida pitcher Stacey Nelson retired the Bulls in order for the win. Nelson (4-0) was credited with the complete-game victory, allowing one run on six hits while posting six Ks.
USF's Gordon was credited with her first loss of the season after she gave up the go-ahead run. Gordon relieved starter Courtney Mosch in the third inning and gave up two runs on four hits in four innings.
The Bulls will look to get back on the winning track when they host the Wilson Tournament Saturday through Monday at the USF Softball Field. On Saturday, USF will face Florida A&M at 11:30 a.m. and Wichita State at 4 p.m.
