University of Louisville
East Carolina
Softball Falls to East Carolina 4-1
April 18, 2005 | Softball
April 18, 2005
GREENVILLE, N.C. - - The University of Louisville softball team lost to host East Carolina 4-1 Sunday in a Conference USA matchup. It marks the first time this season the Cards have been swept by a C-USA opponent.
The Pirates jumped to a 1-0 lead on Kate Manuse's solo home run in the bottom of the first.
Lacy Wood's solo shot in the top of the fourth tied the game at 1-1.
East Carolina threatened in the bottom half of the inning when Shirley Burleson reached on a fielder's choice. Ashley Quick followed with a walk and Allison Monce delivered a two-out infield single to load the bases. Cardinal starter Catherine Bishop retired the next batter to end the inning.
The Pirates struck again in the bottom of the fifth when Krista Jessup walked, Manuse was intentionally walked and Mandi Nichols reached on a Louisville error to load the bases with no outs. Beth Nolan's two-run single scored Jessup and Manuse to make it a 3-1 game.
The Cards had an opportunity to score in the top of the sixth when Courtney Moore led off the frame with a double and moved to third on a single by Michelle Vasquez, placing runners at first and third with one out. East Carolina starter Kelli Harrell struck out the next to batters to end the threat.
ECU added another run in the bottom of the sixth when Jessup reached on a fielder's choice, stole second and scored on a two-out single by Manuse to increase the Pirates' lead to 4-1.
Bishop (14-7) took the loss, allowing four earned runs on seven hits and striking out eight in six innings. Offensively, the Cards had eight hits in the contest. Moore and Vasquez each batted 2 for 3.
Harrell (24-10) got the win, allowing one earned run on eight hits and striking out 10 in seven innings. Offensively, the Pirates were led by Manuse who was 2 for 2 with a home run and two RBI. ECU improves to 50-13 (12-3 C-USA).
Louisville (26-16, 11-4) will play Morehead State on April 20 at 4:00 p.m. at Ulmer Stadium.
