University of Louisville
Charlotte
Softball Sweeps Charlotte 6-1, 5-3
April 28, 2002 | Softball
April 28, 2002
LOUISVILLE, Ky. - The University of Louisville softball team closed out the home schedule by defeating Charlotte 6-1 and 5-3 Sunday in a Conference USA doubleheader at Ulmer Stadium.
In the first game, the 49ers took a 1-0 lead on Autumn Lawson's solo home run in the second inning.
The Cardinals responded by putting up a three-spot in the second inning. The scoring began with Keola Calderon's one-out base hit . A Charlotte error allowed her to move safely to third when Melissa Jacobo reached on a fielder's choice. Calderon crossed the plate on a hit by Nicole Sparks. An infield base hit by Shannon Nord loaded the bases for Jodi Thomas' two-run single to give Louisville a 3-1 lead.
Back-to-back singles by Kenzie Meisenburg and Sara Bausher set up Jacobo's three-run homer in the fifth inning to increase the Cards' lead to 6-1.
Louisville starting pitcher Jessica Rak (21-13) picked up the win, holding Charlotte to one run on one hit in seven innings and striking out eight. Thomas finished batting 2-for-3 with two RBI.
Charlotte starter Betsy Thompson took the loss allowing five runs, three earned, on seven hits and striking out five. Lawson's home run accounted for the 49ers' only hit.
In the nightcap, Louisville jumped ahead early as Meisenburg led off the game with a single, stole second and third and scored on Calderon's bunt single to give the Cards a 1-0 lead.
In the second inning, Nord beat the throw for an infield single, took second Lisa McMillan's sacrifice bunt and scored on a double by Thomas to increase Louisville's lead to 2-0.
The Cardinals added three more runs in the fourth as Thomas drew a walk to lead off the inning, moved to second on a passed ball and scored on Meisenburg's double. Calderon's double brought Meisenburg home for the eventual winning run. Jacobo followed with double, scoring Meisenburg and making it a 5-0 game.
Charlotte rallied in the top of the seventh when Lindsay Flemming blasted a one-out hit and moved to second on Melanie Thevenot's pinch hit single. A hit by Kiley Scott loaded the bases. Stephanie Dunlap's single and a Louisville error on the play cleared the bases to pull Charlotte within 5-3. Leah Heston drew a walk to place the tying run on first, but a double play ended the scoring threat and the game.
Louisville starter Krystle Herold (3-8) got the win, allowing three runs, one earned, on 10 hits and struck out four in seven innings. Calderon went 3-for-4 with two doubles, two RBI and a run scored. The Cardinals finished with five doubles in the second game.
Charlotte starter Amy Morse (8-9) took the loss, allowing five earned runs on eight hits and struck out two in four innings. Scott, Heston and Flemming each finished the game with two hits. The 49ers drop to 23-26 (5-14 C-USA).
Louisville (24-24, 10-8) will travel to Marshall Wednesday for a doubleheader beginning at 2:00 p.m.
