UTC-Samford Box Score
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. --- Behind a complete-game shutout by Samford pitcher Stephanie Royall, the Bulldogs defeated the Chattanooga softball team 6-0 Sunday at Frost Stadium. With the loss, the Lady Mocs (14-12/5-1 SoCon) dropped their first conference game of the season and had a season-long, eight-game winning streak snapped.
Royall (4-6) was brilliant, scattering seven UTC hits and striking out seven. Kandice Irwin (5-7) was tagged with the loss for the Lady Mocs as the sophomore was unable to record an out in the first innings. Irwin allowed three earned runs off two hits and walked one.
The Bulldogs (9-15/3-6 SoCon) jumped on Chattanooga early and often in the contest as Samford scored the game's six runs in the first three innings.
In the first, Amy Gonzalez started the game with a leadoff walk and stole second. Gonzalez's stolen base was the first of five on the day for the Bulldogs, who were a perfect 10-for-10 on the weekend. After a Kyle Harmon single, Harmon stole second and was able to advance to third on an error by Tia Blosser, which scored Gonzalez.
Harmon would score during the following at bat as Katie England brought in Samford's second run on a fielder's choice as Toni Hutchison was unable to retire the runner at the plate. After another stolen base, Amanda Barrs brought England in on a single into left-center.
After a 1-2-3 inning for UTC, the Bulldogs struck again in the second inning thanks to a RBI single by Harmon.
Samford would leave no doubt in the third frame as Aaren Fisher put the game out of reach with a two-run home run into left.
The Lady Mocs were able to put together one big threat, in the fourth, as the team was able to load the bases with no outs. However that was quickly extinguished as Brittany Eason struck out and Jenni Martin lined into a double play.
Three Lady Mocs were able to record multiple hits on the afternoon as Tiffany Baker, Toni Hutchison and Kaiti Kelley had two hits apiece. Lauren Flores accounted for UTC's other hit as Chattanooga outhit Samford 7-6.
The Lady Mocs will look to start another winning streak on Tuesday as UTC hosts Jacksonville State on Tuesday, Mar. 24. Both teams will play two games with the first beginning at 5 p.m. from Jim Frost Stadium. Tuesday's doubleheader has been dubbed “Two-for-Tuesday”, meaning one ticket will admit two patrons. Also, fans will be able to purchase two drinks and two orders of popcorn for the price of one.
Live stats will be available for both contests at GoMocs.com.
