Courtesy of EKU Athletics
GULF SHORES, Ala. – Senior pitcher Leanna Pittsenbarger tossed her 22nd career shutout to help propel the Eastern Kentucky University softball team to a 1-0 win over No. 23 South Alabama Saturday afternoon at The Sand Dollar Classic.
Pittsenbarger bounced back from a tough outing yesterday versus No. 3 Alabama. Against the Jaguars, the righty scattered eight hits and struck out six batters, but got stronger as the game wore on. Pittsenbarger only allowed one base runner the final three innings.
South Alabama (1-2) threatened to take an early lead in the second inning. The Jaguars loaded the bases with two outs only to see Pittsenbarger induce a line out to end the threat.
Eastern (3-2) manufactured the game’s only run in the fifth inning. Sophomore Krislyn Campos began the frame with an infield single and proceeded to steal second base. A pair of wild pitches later in the inning allowed Campos to hustle home.
The win was Eastern Kentucky’s first over a top-25 team since defeating No. 5 Missouri on Feb. 18, 2012.
Earlier in the day, Eastern fell to FIU, 4-1. The Panthers scored three runs in the bottom of the sixth inning to break up a 1-1 tie.
FIU (3-1) got on the board in the third inning when Ashley Leon stole home. The Colonels immediately answered in the fourth thanks to senior Darcy Schueler‘s RBI double.
Krystal Garcia gave the Panthers the lead for good with a leadoff home run in the sixth inning. Stephanie Texeira added a two-out, two-run single provide the final scoring.
Eastern Kentucky concludes play at The Sand Dollar Classic tomorrow, Feb. 8 with a game against Lamar (11 a.m.).
