Northwestern State's Shay Hunt drove home the go-ahead run in the fourth
and starting pitcher Amie Ford held Cal State Fullerton to only six hits
as the Demons upset the No. 24 Titans, 4-1, on Friday afternoon at the
NFCA Leadoff Classic in Columbus, Ga.
Fullerton lost its fourth consecutive game, falling to 3-7 overall. NSU
improved to 9-5 overall on the year.
Northwestern State took the early 1-0 lead on a groundout by Sarina Noack,
scoring Margaret Patterson, who walked to leadoff the second inning.
The Titans got even in their half of the second, scoring on a single to
centerfield by freshman Jenna Wheeler, plating Baker to knot the score
at 1-1.
The Demons finally broke through in the fourth, chasing Candice Baker
and loading the bases off Brooke Weekley thanks to a throwing error, a
fielder's choice, and a single back up the middle.
Hunt drove home the go-ahead run on a fielder's choice as Patterson scrambled
home, beating the throw home from Wheeler to make it 2-1. Nicole Martin
drove home the third run, scoring Krystle Nichols on a ground ball to
second base, making it 3-1.
NSU made it 4-1 in the sixth, scoring an unearned run on a error for the
final tally.
The Titans mounted a seventh inning comeback, putting runners on first
and second with one out, and second and third with two out, but Ford struck
out Lindsey Bashor swinging to end the contest.
Baker lasted only three innings, walking five and uncorking four wildpitches,
but allowed just an unearned run and carried a no-hitter into the fourth
inning before being pulled. Weekley (2-3) suffered the loss, allowing
two runs (one earned) on three hits, and striking out three in four innings.
Ford earned the win, allowing a run on six hits, walking three and striking
out seven.
The Titans return to action later Friday evening as they take no No. 6
Georgia at approximately 4:30 p.m. (PST). Gametracker will be available
for tonight's contest.
