Colorado State University Athletics
Colorado State
Ohio State
Rams "Bucked" In Extra Innings
2/11/2006 12:00:00 AM | Softball
Feb. 11, 2006
Despite a furious comeback that saw the Rams (1-3) score five runs in the sixth inning, the Colorado State University softball team fell to the Ohio State Buckeyes 8-7 in extra innings on day two of the Hilton Las Cruces Classic. Junior Stacey Leigh recorded a career-high three RBI on a bases-loaded, pinch-hit double to tie the game in the top of the sixth inning.
The Buckeyes took an early lead, scoring one run in each of the first three innings by taking advantage of four walks and an error by the Rams. Colorado State cut into the deficit in the top of the fourth inning when a two-out double by sophomore Lauren Cusick scored junior Jessica Strickland, who led off the inning with a walk.
Ohio State increased their lead in the fifth inning with three runs in the inning. With two outs and runners on first and third, the Buckeyes used a double steal to score their first run of the inning. After the Rams' second error, and two straight singles the Buckeyes held a 6-1 advantage.
The Rams responded with a five-run sixth inning to knot the game at six. After an Ohio State pitching change, Strickland led off the inning with a solo home run to left field. Freshman Kim Klabough reached on a walk and Cusick singled to left field to advance Klabough to third. Freshman Renee Welty notched a pinch-hit single to center field, followed by a single by senior Katie Dean which scored Klabough. Following the second pitching change of the inning for Ohio State, Leigh cleared the bases with a three-RBI, pinch-hit double to center field to tie the game.
The Colorado State rally did not end there, as the Rams took a 7-6 lead in the top of the seventh inning. Strickland led off the inning with a single to left field and advanced to second on a walk by Klabough. Strickland then scored on an error by the shortstop after a Cusick reached on a fielder's choice.
Ohio State responded with a rally of its own in the bottom of the seventh inning. Senior Stacey Hibma reached on a two-out single, and scored on a triple by freshman Courtney Pruner to force extra innings.
In the eighth inning, the Rams threatened with bases loaded and two outs, but freshman Jamie Wong was unable to connect as a pinch hitter, going down on strikes to end the inning. Ohio State capitalized on the Rams' inability to convert, when senior Chelsea Baker doubled in the winning run with one out in the bottom half of the eighth.
Strickland pitched the complete game and falls to 0-3 on the season. She allowed six earned runs on 13 hits, five walks and struck out three Buckeyes.
The Rams will look to close out the Hilton Las Cruces Classic with a strong finish on Sunday. Colorado State opens with a 9 a.m. game against Portland State, followed by a rematch against host New Mexico State at 11:30 a.m. The Rams were shutout, 4-0, by the Aggies on Thursday in their season opener.
