Feb. 25, 2005
Columbus, Ga. – Sophomore McKenna Hughes drove in freshman Jessica Josker twice to give the South Carolina Gamecocks (9-6) a 2-0 win over Southern Illinois (3-5) Friday at the NFCA Leadoff Classic. Josker went 4-for-4 at the plate while Hughes went 2-for-4. USC recorded 10 hits off of Amy Harre who fell to 1-4 on the year. Melanie Henkes pitched her fourth shutout of the year and improved to 5-2.
The game was scoreless until the third. After Whitney Wierzbicki led off the third with a rare bunt for a double, Josker followed with a single and attempted to drive home Wierzbicki. But the attempt was short as Wierzbicki was thrown out at home by the centerfielder Maria Damico. With two outs and Josker at third, Hughes came through with a single to drive in the run and put the Gamecocks on the board 1-0.
In the bottom of the fourth, Henkes gave up a leadoff walk to Amanda Clifton. Christina Andrews came in to pinch run for Clifton and advanced to second on a sacrifice by Chelsea Petty. Andrews then advanced to third on a groundout and with two outs, the Salukis put in their leading hitter Kelly Creek to pinch-hit. Henkes went 0-2 on Creek and on the third pitch, went down swinging to end the inning and prevented Andrews from scoring.
USC added another run in the top of the seventh when Josker reached safely on a one-out double to left field. Hughes recorded her second hit of the game to score Josker for the second time in the game and gave the Gamecocks the 2-0 lead.
In the bottom of the inning, Southern Illinois’ Petty led off with a walk and representing the tying run, Tiffanie Dismore hit a two-out double to reach base safely. With runners on the corners and the suspense building, the Saluki’s Samantha Carter flied out to left field for the final out to end the game.
USC will wrap up day one of the Classic with an afternoon game against No. 8 Michigan.
Team 123 456 7 R H E
USC 001 100 1 2 10 0
SIU 000 000 0 0 4 1
WP: Henkes (5-2)
LP: Harre (1-4)
