Colorado State University Athletics
Colorado State
Memphis
Softball recap: Memphis downs CSU in extra innings
2/27/2011 12:00:00 AM | Softball
Feb. 27, 2011
By Meredith Danner
Athletic Media Relations
STANFORD, Calif. - Despite solid pitching and two home runs, the CSU softball team fell victim to another late-inning rally on Sunday, dropping a 4-3 decision to Memphis on the final day of the Stanford Nike Invitational at Boyd and Jill Smith Family Stadium.
The loss brings CSU's record to 3-11 and marks the second time this season that the Rams held a lead through six innings but lost the game. Their game against Wisconsin last Sunday in Austin, Texas, had a similar outcome, when the Badgers scored four runs in the seventh to rally for the win.
Memphis entered the game with an 11-3 record, having previously defeated host Stanford on Friday.
CSU freshman Alexa Cash started her fifth game of the season and pitched six solid innings, holding the Tigers to just one hit and striking out six batters.
"It was really encouraging," CSU Head Coach Jen Fisher said of Cash's performance. "Hopefully we continue to see growth in her."
On the offensive side, CSU freshman Emily Pohl hit two solo home runs, her second and third of the season. Pohl's last home run came against Minnesota on Feb. 12, a walk-off to seal a 12-8 victory.
Pohl's first homer came in the third inning off Memphis senior Lauren Carley, who held a 1.47 ERA coming into the game. Pohl faced Carley again in the fifth, this time belting a home run to left-center.
"I like her approach," Fisher said. "She's been working hard every day. She has been seeing the ball really well and taking good swings. I was really happy for her."
Cash was poised to complete the shutout in the seventh inning, but the Tigers' offense came back with four straight singles and scored a runner on a throwing error to tie send the game into extra innings tied 2-2.
Memphis senior Alex Marshall was placed on second base to begin the eighth and scored on a single by redshirt senior Heather Mott. Later, junior pinch hitter Jessica Phillips flied out to right, bringing in Memphis' fourth and final run.
CSU scored one more run in its half of the eighth. Freshman Cassy Mosser singled up the middle to score freshman Morghan Doughty, bringing the score to 4-3. Junior Lyssa Roberts struck out swinging to end the game.
The Rams will return to Fort Collins next weekend for the annual Colorado State Classic, where they will host Sacred Heart, Northern Illinois and Santa Clara. CSU will take on Northern Illinois in the Rams' home opener on March 4 at 1:30 p.m. at Ram Field. Admission to all games at the Colorado State Classic is free of charge.
