TAMPA, Fla. – The Eckerd softball team struggled to produce offensively as they fell, 2-0, to Tampa in the series opener on Friday evening at the Naimoli Family Field.
After an RBI triple in the first inning put the Spartans on the board early, they added to their lead in the sixth as another run came around following a Triton error.
HOW IT ENDED
Final: Tampa 2, Eckerd 0
WP: Corynn Miner (8-2)
LP: Kensley Durrance (4-6)
Records: Eckerd (7-8, 4-3 SSC); Tampa (12-5, 5-2 SSC)
KEY MOMENTS
- Tampa's Stephanie Balmer reached base with a single to center field and advanced to third following a sacrifice bunt and a wild pitch. Mariah Galhouse roped a triple down the left field line to drive Balmer in and put the Spartans up 1-0 in the first inning.
- The Tritons saw their best chance to score in the fifth inning following a Skylar Redish single to center field. Redish advanced into scoring position after a passed ball sent her to second base, but EC couldn't convert on the opportunity.
- In the sixth inning, the Spartans picked up another run following a Triton error that allowed Tampa to gain a 2-0 edge. Galhouse walked and then stole second to get into scoring position with just one out. Maddie Farrell reached first on an error that allowed Galhouse to come around and score.
NOTES AND NUMBERS
- Ally Costa, Kaylin Kramer, and Redish all picked up hits for the Tritons.
- Costa singled in the top of the fourth as she extended her reached base streak to 15 games.
- Kensley Durrance went 5.1 innings pitched while striking out three batters.
QUOTABLE
"We had a couple of nice plays that kept us in the game, but we need to put more balls in play," said head coach
Katie Profitt.
UP NEXT
The Tritons wrap up the three-game-set with Tampa tomorrow afternoon with a doubleheader beginning at 1:00 PM.
