CLEVELAND, Mississippi – The Delta State University softball team used a walk-off single from
Kaitlin Moore in game one, and pounded out 12 hits in game two of a doubleheader sweep over Gulf South Conference foe University of West Alabama on Friday at University Field.
INSIDE THE MATCHUPFinal (GM1): Delta State 3, West Alabama 2
Final (GM2): Delta State 9 West Alabama 1 (5)
Location: University Field | Cleveland, Miss.
Records: Lady Statesmen (13-4, 5-0) | Tigers (6-7, 0-5)
Get Social: @DSUStatesmen | @DSUScores | @DeltaStateSB
HOW IT HAPPENEDGame 1 - UWA scored the first runs of the contest in the top of the second on a pair of unearned runs off a fielder's choice and a bases loaded walk.
- After a pair of singles to lead off the fourth inning by Morgan Kazerooni and Madison Zoeller, a sacrifice bunt by Jordan Jones advanced the runners into scoring position for Kara Lane Nowell, who doubled to right center to tie the game at 2.
- West Alabama used a double with two outs in the top of the seventh to put the go-ahead run in scoring position, but DSU pitcher Taylor Tucker forced a line out to end the inning.
- After pinch-hitter Kristen Mitchell led off the bottom of the seventh, pinch runner Katelyn Westbrook advanced to second on a sacrifice bunt by Chelsea Lamping. After Kassidy Tally was hit by a pitch, Abi Gibson singled up the middle to set up Kaitlin Moore, who drove in the game-winning run with a base hit to right field.
- Amanda Medders (2-2) allowed three runs on nine hits, with four strikeouts, in the loss.
- Tucker (5-1) allowed two runs on six hits, with three strikeouts and two walks.
- Moore and Kazerooni were the only DSU players with multiple hits.
HOW IT HAPPENEDGame 2 - The Lady Statesmen jumped ahead 2-0 in the first inning on a fielder's choice by Moore that scored Tally and wild pitch that scored Gibson.
- DSU had its biggest inning in the second when it plated four runs on RBI singles by Tally, Moore and Kazerooni. Tally scored the third run of the inning on a double-steal.
- The Tigers scored their lone run of the contest in the third when they capitalized on an error and an RBI single with two outs.
- DSU answered with a run in the bottom half the bottom half of the inning when Zoeller launched her team-best fourth home run of the season.
- Moore drove in her fourth run of the day on a sacrifice fly in the bottom of the fourth.
- DSU ended the contest via the mercy rule in the bottom of the fifth, when Tally hit a single to left that scored Westbrook.
- Andrea Edmonds (2-2) and Allie Kelley combined to allow nine runs, seven earned, on 12 hits.
- Taylor Johnson (4-2) allowed one unearned run on five hits, with three strikeouts.
- Tally led DSU with three hits. Gibson and Nunez added two hits apiece for DSU.
STAT OF THE DAY - DSU had 21 hits over 11.1 innings, including 12 in game two.
BEYOND THE BOXSCORE - The 5-0 start in GSC play marks the best start in conference contests under head coach Casey Charles.
- The victory in game two marked just the fifth time this season that the Lady Statesmen have not had a double.
- Moore has now driven in at least a run in five of the last six games.
UP NEXT - DSU will wrap up its series with the West Alabama with a single game on Saturday, Feb. 20. First pitch is scheduled for noon.