|
TAMPA, MARCH 5, 2015 – The USF softball team extended its win streak to five games with a 1-0 win over Wagner (2-3) in a game that featured one of the strangest finishes you'll ever see.
Juli Weber scored in the bottom of the seventh on an illegal pitch by Seahawks pitcher McKaleigh Goodale as she was attempting to intentionally walk Bulls' clean-up hitter Lee Ann Spivey (Palm Coast, Fla.).
“Thank goodness we've never been on the other end of that one,” head coach Ken Eriksen said in regards to the unusual final sequence.
Weber (Hegins, Pa.) led off the inning with a double to left center to extend her hit streak to 17 games and get the rally started for USF (13-7). After moving to third on a sacrifice bunt by Lauren Evans (Land O' Lakes, Fla.), Weber came home on the illegal pitch to give the Bulls their second walk-off win in the span of a week.
Monica Santos (Tampa, Fla.) led the charge for USF at the plate, posting a new career-high with three hits.
“I was just patient at the plate,” Santos said. “I know I had a rough start to the season and I think with hitting you know it's a roller coaster and you just have to stay patient and not think so much.”
Both Bulls pitchers were dominant as Susan Wysocki (Cherry Hill, N.J.) and Karla Claudio (San Lorenzo, Puerto Rico) combined for the shutout and allowed only three hits all game. Wysocki started the game and allowed only one hit in four innings before being relieved by Claudio, who had five strikeouts in the final three innings to earn her third win of the year.
“Once again, a really good effort defensively and pitching wise, and if you can hold a team at zero a long time like that in a game like that you're going to have a good opportunity to win. That's been our mantra for a long time,” Eriksen said.
Astin Donovan, Morgan Litchfield, Veronica Gajownik and Evans all had a hit apiece as the Bulls scattered eight total throughout the game.
USF begins play in the Under Armour Showcase on Friday when they host Wisconsin and Portland State at the USF Softball Stadium. First pitch for the doubleheader is set for 1:45 p.m. and both games can be seen live on BullsCast. Purchase tickets HERE.
Be sure to follow USF softball on social media (Twitter | Facebook | Instagram) and visit GoUSFBulls.com for the most up-to-date information. The USF softball program has been one of the most successful on campus, making 12 NCAA tournament appearances, including a trip to the Women's College World Series in 2012. The Bulls made their third consecutive appearance in the NCAA tournament last season and posted their 14th season with 40 plus wins under head coach Ken Eriksen.
- #GoBulls –
|
