University of Louisville
MOREHEAD STATE
Softball Tops Morehead State 12-1
March 10, 2011 | Softball
March 10, 2011
LOUISVILLE, Ky. - Maggie Ruckenbrod and Chelsea Bemis each went 2-for-4 with four RBIs to lead the host University of Louisville softball team to a season-high run total in a 12-1 victory over Morehead State Thursday at Ulmer Stadium. Louisville improves to 12-6 while the Eagles fall to 6-11 on the season.
The Cards struck in the first inning as Jennifer Esteban singled and scored on Ruckenbrod's hit to put Louisville up 1-0.
Louisville extended its lead with five runs in the second. Hannah Kiyohara delivered a leadoff single and came home on Esteban's double to make the score 2-0. The offense continued when a double from Bemis plated Esteban. Alicja Wolny followed with a walk to set up Ruckenbrod's three-run home run over the left field fence to give the Cards a 6-0 lead.
Morehead got on the board in the third. Elizabeth Wagner led off the frame with a single and was safe at second on error when Amber Riddle reached on a fielder's choice. Stephanie Etter drew a two-out walk to load the bases and an error sent Wagner home to make the score 6-1.
The Cards added three more runs in the home half of the third. Katelyn Mann reached on an error and Katie Keller singled. Both runners scored when Bemis ripped a triple off of the right-field fence. Wolny's RBI single gave U of L a 9-1 lead.
Louisville wrapped up the scoring with three runs in the fourth. Fowler reached on an error, Sarah Anderson singled and Chrisanna Roberts reached on an error. Fowler was safe at the plate on Christina Roesel's fielder's choice. Keller's bases-loaded walk plated Anderson and Roberts came home on Bemis' fielder's choice to give Louisville a 12-1 lead.
Starter Caralisa Connell (4-2) got the win, holding the Eagles to one unearned run on three hits, while striking out six batters in 3.0 innings. Tori Collins did not allow a hit and struck out three in 2.0 innings of relief. Ruckenbrod finished 2-for-4 with a home run, four RBIs and a run. Bemis went 2-for-4 with a double, four RBIs and two runs. Esteban and Wherry each went 2-for-2.
Ashley Imperial (3-5) took the loss, giving up six earned runs, on eight hits in 2.0 innings of work. Wagner led the Eagles at the plate, going 1-for-3 with one run.
The Cardinals (12-6) will be back in action this weekend for the Louisville Softball Classic as they host No. 5/6 Michigan at noon and Western Kentucky at 4 p.m. Saturday. The tournament will conclude Sunday when Louisville plays Michigan at 1 p.m. and Western Kentucky at 3 p.m.
