May 8, 2008

Box Score

HOUSTON - Fifth-seeded East Carolina exploded for five runs in the top of the seventh inning to break a 2-2 tie and down No. 4 Marshall, 7-2, in Thursday's final quarterfinal game of the 2008 Conference USA Softball Championship at the Cougar Softball Complex.

ECU (36-27) jumped ahead in the top of the fifth when Charina Sumner tapped an RBI single through the middle, scoring Sarah Bibee who had pinch run for Paige Baggett.

Marshall responded in the bottom of the fifth, using a one-out bases loaded walk to two-time C-USA Player of the Year Rachel Folden and a sacrifice fly by Samantha Rodriguez to take a 2-1 lead.

The Pirates tied the game quickly, receiving a leadoff home run from Stacey Andrews, her 11th of the season, to even the contest at 2-2.

Later, after Brooke Swann retired the Herd with ease in the bottom of the sixth, East Carolina rallied in the top of the seventh.

Back-to-back doubles from Baggett and Sumner gave the Pirates a 3-2 lead. Then, ECU used an error by Marshall to plate two more runs, extending the advantage to 5-2. Cristen Aona ended the flurry with a two-run shot that rang off of the scoreboard in right center to close the scoring, 7-2.

Swann went the distance and struck out nine, while giving up only three runs. She improved to 8-18 on the season.

Caitlyn Jackson (13-17) took the loss for the Herd. The sophomore surrendered six runs on seven hits, while striking out three.

Rachael Sofie, Rachel Schmidt and J.J. Bitner collected the three hits for Marshall. The Herd closed out their regular season at 26-29.

The Pirates were led offensively by two hits apiece from Sumner, Andrews and Baggett. Sumner, Andrews and Aona all had two RBI in the win.

The Pirates are back in action tomorrow at 4:30 CT as they face the top-seeded Houston Cougars for the right to move on to the championship game on Saturday.

Saturday's championship game will be televised Live by CBS College Sports Network.