Courtesy of WKU Athletics
MIAMI, Fla.— WKU softball had the perfect ending to its Conference USA Championship opener, as Miranda Kramer threw the program’s first-ever perfect game while advancing with a 1-0 win over Charlotte (24-27) on Thursday.
The C-USA Pitcher and Newcomer of the Year tied the league championship record with 16 strikeouts, as Kramer tabbed her fourth no-hit effort of the season. Kramer (22-8) had success against the 49ers during the regular-season series, throwing a no-hitter in game two before putting down a C-USA record for league games with 18 strikeouts in an 11-inning game three.
In her complete-game outing on Thursday, the senior struck out the side three times while the seventh inning was the only frame she didn’t have more than one fanned batter.
WKU’s bats came out aggressive against Charlotte’s Lexi Betancourt (18-20), tabbing four hits and three sacrifice bunts. After leaving three on base through the first three frames, Preslie Cruce was issued a walk to open the fourth. After moving on a Dani Pugh sac hit, Cruce scored the game winner from second after pinch hitter Hannah Parker put a hit down the left field line.
Cruce had one of WKU’s hits while making big plays defensively on the hot corner to hold the perfect game in the seventh. Shawna Sadler and Carleigh Chaumont provided the other two hits while each tallied a stolen base.
The Lady Toppers (32-12) will face the winner of No. 4 UAB and No. 5 Marshall on Friday at 1 p.m. CT. Fans can watch the game with a subscription to the C-USA Digital Network or listening online at WKUSports.tv. Live stats can be found on the Championship Central page on ConferenceUSA.com.
For information and the latest updates on tickets, call the ticket office at 1-800-5-BIGRED.
The 2015 WKU softball season is being presented by the United States Marines. This season, the Marines and WKU Athletics are working together to promote the outstanding athletic and academic achievements of our female student-athletes. The Marines are proud to work with and support these future leaders of America.
