Softball Splits Two With ECU

April 1, 2009

ADA, Okla. - Southwestern Oklahoma State University took one of two softball games played Wednesday against East Central University Wednesday in Ada. Bulldogs were 9-4 winners in the opener before losing 4-2 to the Tigers in the nightcap.

SWOSU's record is now at 12-20 overall and 4-10 in the Lone Star Conference North Division. ECU is 11-18 overall and 4-10 in the LSC North. The two teams resume their series Saturday in Weatherford with a 1 p.m. doubleheader.

SWOSU jumped out to a 7-0 lead midway through the fifth inning of the opener. The Bulldogs put the game out of reach with a four-run fifth that was highlighted by a bases-loaded triple by Amy Barrios that scored Brittany Strickland, Sara Harwell and Raven Staats.

SWOSU eneded up with 14 hits against three different ECU pitchers. Stacy Creger pushed her season batting average to above .400 by going three-for-five in the opener with an RBI and a run scored.

On the mound, Katie Raines won her fourth game of the year pitching seven complete innings and allowing only seven hits and one earned run. She struck out five and walked just one batter.

In the second game, ECU broke a 1-1 tie with three runs in the third thanks in part to a fielding error by SWOSU to go up 4-1. The Bulldogs tried to rally in their half of the fifth. Barrios scored on an RBI single by Kristyn Shawver. SWOSU had the tying run reach base but were unable to push her across against pitcher Randee Crocket who improved to 7-6 with the win.

Kristina Davis took the loss for SWOSU after allowing four runs through three innings. Davis is now 1-1 on the season.