CHICAGO (April 21, 2007) ? In a doubleheader that featured two pitching duels, the University of South Florida softball team lost a close series to No. 17 DePaul University, 2-0, 2-0, at Cacciatore Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
Courtney Mosch (8-4) was credited with the loss in game one despite a solid effort in the circle. In five innings, she scattered four hits and walked two while striking out five. Kristen Gordon (10-6) came in relief of Cristi Ecks in game two and was credited with the loss. In four innings, Gordon allowed two runs on four hits with three walks and six strikeouts.
In game one, the Bulls (33-21, 5-5 BIG EAST) got of a jam in the first inning thanks to a strong defensive effort. After a hit and a two-base error put DePaul runners at second and third with one out, Katie Sheaks was tagged out on a run down between third and home. Needing an out to end the inning, Mosch struck out Becca Heteniak for the final out.
After both pitchers kept the game scoreless for four innings, DePaul (30-7, 12-0 BIG EAST) ended the stalemate in the fifth inning. With two outs on the board, the Blue Demons scored two runs off a USF error.
The Bulls had chances to score in the game but couldn't capitalize, stranding six runners on base. USF had a runner on in every inning but two.
Traci Adix pitched a two-hit, seven-inning shutout for DePaul, striking out seven batters.
Game two was another battle in the circle, with the game scoreless again through four innings.
In the fifth, DePaul got on the board, 1-0, thanks to a two-out rally. With runners at first and second, Heteniak doubled to the gap in left center to score the go-ahead run.
The Blue Demons extended their lead to two runs in the sixth inning thanks to an RBI groundout by Shea Warren.
In the top of the seventh inning the Bulls tried to rally, but fell short. USF had the tying runs on base after Danielle Urbanik drew a walk and JoJo Medina was hit by a pitch. With one out, Heteniak retired the final two batters on strikeouts to end the game. Heteniak, like Adix did in game one, pitched a complete-game two-hit shutout.
The Bulls will look to get back on the winning track when they travel to face Notre Dame on Sunday in a doubleheader starting at noon. The first game of the series will be broadcast live on CSTV. The BIG EAST will also simulcast the game on www.bigeast.org for a one-time cost of $9.95.
