University of Louisville
Indiana State
Softball Falls to Indiana State 2-1 in Eight Innings
May 16, 2015 | Softball
COLUMBIA, Mo. - University of Louisville sophomore Maryssa Becker struck out seven and scattered three hits and senior Kelsi Jones hit her fifth home run of the season, but it wasn't enough as the Cardinals lost a 2-1, eight-inning heartbreaker to Indiana State in a Columbia Regional elimination game Saturday evening. The Cardinals finish the season with a 30-19 overall record.
"I thought Maryssa pitched a tremendous game," said UofL head coach Sandy Pearsall. "Once again, we hit the ball hard, but it was right at people. Credit Indiana State, for being able to manufacture runs."
The teams played through seven scoreless innings with the Cardinals outhitting the Sycamores 5-1 before Indiana State(27-30) broke through with two runs in the eighth.
Becker, who had a no-hitter broken up by Mallory Schneid's infield single in the fifth inning had retired eight straight batters before Schnied connected on a one-out double in the eighth. Erika Crissman entered to pinch run and was safe on a play at third when Alexa Cavin reached on a fielder's choice to place runners on the corners with one out. Kassie Brown's RBI hit plated Crissman and broke a scoreless tie. A passed ball sent Cavin to third and Brown to second. Rylee Holland sent a grounder to Louisville third baseman Hailey Smith who teamed with catcher Alison Szydlowski to tag Cavin out at the plate. Brown crossed the plate on the play after an attempt to throw Holland out at second.
The Cardinals entered the eighth down 2-0. Kelsi Jones sent a one-out shot over the left centerfield fence to pull Louisville within a run. Indiana State pitcher Taylor Lockwood retired the next two batters to end the game.
Becker (14-9) took the loss, giving up two runs, one earned on three hits and striking out seven in 8.0 innings. Six different players had one hit apiece.
Lockwood (18-13) got the win giving up one earned run on six hits and struck out one in 8.0 innings. Schneid led the Sycamores with a 2 for 3 performance at the plate.
