Feb. 20, 2010
Final Stats
TEMPE, Ariz. - The Illinois State softball team defeated Rutgers, 4-0, before falling to Iowa, 7-1, Saturday during the second day of play at the Arizona State Littlewood Classic in Tempe, Ariz. ISU's five game-winning streak ended with the loss to Iowa at the Farrington Stadium.
In the first game, Kara Nelson, who was the leadoff batter, got the Redbirds (5-3) off to a quick start in the first by hitting a double down the right field line. Jhavon Hamilton reached first after Noelle Sisco threw an illegal pitch. Hamilton quickly stole second putting runners in scoring position. Nelson scored the first Redbird run on a Rutgers (0-4) error that advanced Hamilton to third. Elizabeth Kay singled into left field to drive Hamilton in for the second run of the inning. ISU scored two runs on two hits to get on the board in the first inning.
Nelson continued her strong offensive performance when she hit her second double of the game in the top of the sixth and went 3-for-4 in the first game of the day. Hamilton hit a grounder to the right side of the infield to move Nelson over to third. Abby Olson stepped into the box with one out and hit a two-run homer over the left field fence increasing ISU's lead to four runs.
In the win, ISU tallied nine hits and three RBIs. Chrissy Burton grabbed the win and improved her record to 2-1. Burton struck out five batters in the game.
In the second game of the day, Iowa (6-2) scored a run in the first inning, but Illinois State would answer back in the bottom of the first tying the game, 1-1, that started when Nelson singled through the left side. Nelson advanced to second on Nichelle Harrison's grounder to third base and crossed the plate on a single up the middle by Kay, which was her second RBI of the day.
Illinois State and Iowa were scoreless through the third inning, but Iowa would take the lead in the top of the fourth when four Hawkeyes crossed the plate. Lindsey Digmann hit a single up the middle to score Jenny Schuelke and Stephanie Ochoa. Digmann would score later in the inning giving Iowa a 5-1 advantage after four innings.
ISU tried to answer back in the bottom of the sixth with two runners in scoring position, but failed to bring the runners across the plate.
Iowa secured the win in the top of the seventh when Chelsey Carmody hit a two-run shot over the center field fence giving the Hawkeyes a six-run lead.
ISU was held scoreless after the first inning and had four hits in the game.
The Illinois State softball team will play in its final game at the Littlewood Classic Sunday against Texas State (11 a.m. CST) for the second time in the tournament.
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