March 2, 2007
Box Score
LOS ANGELES -
Freshman Kara Nelson went two-for-three from the plate, driving in the winning run and senior pitcher Shannon Nicholson gave up just a single hit through six and two-thirds innings as the No. 25 Illinois State softball team shutout No. 17 Florida, 1-0, Friday afternoon in Los Angeles.
The Redbirds smacked five hits in the game, improving to 12-4 on the year, and picking up their second straight win over a ranked opponent, bringing that total to four victories on the year. Florida moves to 16-6 on the year with the opening loss on the first day of the Stacy Winsberg Memorial Tournament.
Scoreless through five innings, it was a pitcher's duel between Illinois State's Shannon Nicholson and Gator hurler Stacey Nelson. Nicholson allowed just one hit in the game, giving up a double to Florida right fielder Mary Ratliff, as the senior right hander faced 22 UF batters, before being replaced with two outs in the bottom of the seventh. Shortstop Kaprice Williams was busy on the left side of the infield early in the game, as the junior had a hand on six of the nine outs through three.
Illinois State head coach Melinda Fischer was pleased with the play of her sophomore shortstop and looks for Williams to continue the solid defense throughout the weekend.
"I thought Kaprice played really well on the left side today," said Fischer. "She had a hand on a lot of those first outs. Kaprice is starting to gain that consistency and I hope that continues for her throughout the tournament."
Stacey Nelson benched the first nine Redbird batters, including six on strikeouts but her perfect game was spoiled in the top of the fourth by Illinois State leadoff batter Kara Nelson. The ISU freshman chopped a Stacey Nelson pitch up the middle for a single to open the inning. The ensuing batter Tiffany Prager laid down a bunt just feet in front of the plate, but a quick pick up by Stacey Nelson resulted in a double play. The Florida pitcher whipped the ball to shortstop Lauren Roussell, who was waiting at second to put out Kara Nelson, the leading runner, and then over to first to get Prager. An Amber Smith pop out to the pitcher ended the inning and scoring threat for Illinois State.
The Redbirds got on the board in the top of the sixth as senior center fielder Jackie Williams roped a single up the middle with one out. Florida second baseman Kim Waleszonia back handed the hard-hit ball and threw to first but couldn't catch the speedy Jackie Williams who beat the throw. Kara Nelson then took a pitch deep into left field, slicing a double for her second hit of the game. Jackie Williams slid around the tag at home plate to score the ISU run. The RBI was the fifth of the year for freshman Kara Nelson.
"Florida really contained us until that inning," continued Fischer, who went on to applaud the bat of Kara Nelson. "Kara got ahold of one and it rolled into the outfield which allowed us to take advantage of Jackie's speed. Kara has been really consistent for us at the plate and did what we needed her to do with runners on the bases. Jackie started that scoring opportunity for us by getting on to open the inning."
Looking to score insurance runs in the top of the seventh, Redbird right fielder Kelsey Warning drew a walk to open the inning. Andrea Shifflet came on to pinch run for Warning and quickly found herself at third base as left fielder Jessie Buker laced a Stacey Nelson pitch into right center field. The ball fell for a double but Shifflet was held at third by Fischer who was giving the signs from the third base coachs' box. Three straight outs by the Florida defense ruined the potential Redbird rally.
Nicholson retired 17 straight Gator batters from the second to the seventh innings, before walking Ratliff with two outs in the bottom of the seventh. Pinch hitter Savana Kelly then hit a ball bouncing up the left field line. The hard hit was headed straight for Illinois State third baseman Kara Nelson but the freshman couldn't handle the hit as the ball rolled into left field. The error robbed Nicholson of the complete game shutout, as the pitcher was replaced after six and two-thirds innings by fellow senior pitcher Stacy Birk.
"Shannon pitched an awesome game for us today," said Fischer. "We hated to take her out but we were hoping to break some Florida momentum by switching pitchers. Stacy came in and did exactly what we needed her to today. These two girls are really working together for us in the circle right now and that is promising."
Lacy Howard came to bat for Florida and Birk retired the center fielder to end the game and pick up the save, her second of the year and sixth of her career. With the save, Birk moved into a tie with Nicholson for the career saves mark (6) in the Illinois State record books. Nicholson earned the win in the outing, improving to 6-3 on the year.
The Redbirds return to Easton Stadium tonight at 7:30 p.m. (CST) to take on tournament host UCLA.
