|
Like USF Softball on Facebook
Follow @USFSoftball on Twitter
AMBLER, PA., MAY 3, 2014 – A sacrifice fly by Lee Ann Spivey in the top of the sixth proved to be the difference as the Bulls held off Temple for a 3-1 win on Saturday afternoon in Ambler, Pa.
Six different players recorded hits for USF (38-14, 12-5), including a 3-for-4 performance by Kourtney Salvarola.
After scoring eight runs in game 1 of the doubleheader, the Bulls had a tougher time putting runs on the board the second time around as Owls' starter Amanda Gatt was able to hold them in check for most of the game. Gatt allowed only one run through five innings before giving up two in the sixth and struck out five batters on the day.
Monica Santos (Tampa) broke the scoreless tie with a solo blast to straightaway center field to give USF a 1-0 lead in the top of the third. It was the third home run of the year for the sophomore from Tampa.
The Bulls added some insurance in the sixth, scoring two runs off three hits. Salvarola (Arnold, Md.) got things started with a leadoff bunt single and was pinch run for by Kristen Wyckoff.
Wyckoff (Plant City, Fla.) ended up scoring on Spivey's sacrifice fly after stealing second and advancing to third on a wild pitch. Dani Wayt (Oviedo, Fla.) doubled off the left-center field wall to keep the inning going and one batter later, Veronica Gajownik (Winter Park, Fla.) laced a double down the left field line to score Wayt and give the Bulls a 3-0 lead.
Temple (15-27, 5-12) chipped away at the lead in the bottom of the sixth thanks to a solo home run by Leah Lucas. It was the fifth home run of the year for Lucas and cut the deficit to 3-1 heading into the final inning.
USF had a great chance to add to its lead in the top of the seventh with the bases loaded and only one out, but were unable to push a run across and left them packed to end the frame.
It wouldn't come back to hurt the Bulls, however, as Nevins was able to work around an error in the bottom of the seventh to end the game.
The senior from Pinellas Park, Fla., picked up her second win of the day and 25th on the year with the 3-1 victory. Erica Nunn (Apex, N.C.) started the game and pitched 2 2/3 scoreless innings before being relieved by Nevins, who went the final 4 1/3, allowing one run on two hits while striking out seven.
The Bulls finish the series with another doubleheader against the Owls tomorrow starting at 12 p.m.
|
