FIU Sweeps Doubleheader from Cajuns Softball
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MIAMI, Fla. – Mistakes and miscues proved to be too much for Louisiana’s Ragin’ Cajuns softball team in game one before dropping a heartbreaker in extra innings as FIU was able to take both games in a doubleheader on Saturday.
In game one, two errors accounted for four unearned runs in the Cajuns’ 6-2 loss.
In game two, UL battled back in the top of the seventh inning to grab a 3-1 lead before a two-out home run by FIU's Ashley McClain sent the game into extra innings. In the bottom of the ninth frame, FIU’s Brie Rojas hit a walk-off RBI-single to steal the 4-3 win.
Louisiana is now 23-14 overall and 5-3 in the Sun Belt. The Golden Panthers hold a record of 25-14 and a 7-4 mark in the league.
GAME ONE
Through the first three innings, both teams were stymied by the others’ pitching staff. Donna Bourgeois retired the first nine batters in order, four on strikeouts. FIU’s Kasey Barret was also effective, not allowing a single Cajun to reach base.
But the tide would turn in UL’s favor in the top of the fourth. Erikka Murphy led things off with a walk and steal. Murphy moved over to third on a shallow hit to left field by Melissa Verde. With no outs, Lana Bowers ripped a ball to right center field, scoring both runners.
FIU responded in kind during the bottom of the inning. With one out and the bases loaded, a RBI-fielder’s choice cut the Cajuns’ lead in half.
More damage would be done in the fifth inning after five hits and a costly error by the Cajuns allowed FIU to score five runs and reclaim the lead, 6-2.
The lead held firm as the Cajuns managed just one hit from the fifth inning on.
Barrett (11-7) befuddled UL’s bats for the game. She allowed just three hits while striking out nine for the complete-game win.
Bourgeois dropped to 12-8 on the season. In six innings, she struck out five. Only two runs of FIU’s six were earned.
Verde, Bowers and Vallie Gaspard were responsible for UL’s three hits.
GAME TWO
Game two started much like the first. Neither team was able to grab an advantage until the third inning. With one outs, the Golden Panthers were able to place runners on the corners. A wild pitch by Brittany Cuevas allowed FIU to strike first with an early 1-0 lead.
The Cajuns looked to make some headway in the top of the fifth. Kelly Cormier reached second on an error and advanced to third on a base hit by Gaspard. Gaspard then stole second to put the go-ahead run in scoring position. But with two outs, a pop fly ended UL’s threat.
The Cajuns kept the intensity going in the sixth inning. With two outs, Gabriele Bridges singled and was replaced at first by pinch runner Courtney Trahan. A triple by Nerissa Myers allowed Trahan to score, knotting the contest at 1-1.
The Cajuns started to pull away in the top of the seventh. With one out, Murphy and Gaspard reached on singles. Verde then gave UL a 3-1 lead with a shot to right center field for a bases-clearing double. Verde was able to take third after a unsuccessful throw to the plate.
But the Golden Panthers fought back in the bottom of the seventh frame. After drawing a walk, Ashley McClain belted a ball to left field. UL’s Murphy went up over the fence to make the saving catch, but was unable to hold on the ball. The resulting home run tied the game at 3-3 and sent the contest into extra innings.
In the extra frame, Myers was able to single and steal second to start the inning. Sara Drahiem then reached first after a hit-by-pitch. A passed ball allowed both runners to advance. But neither scored as Myers was out on a fielder’s choice and pop fly ended the inning.
In the ninth inning, Verde began the frame with her second double on the day. However she never crossed the plate as the FIU was able to end the inning with two strikeouts and a pop-fly.
A single and an intentional walk gave FIU two runners with two outs in the bottom of the ninth. Brie Rojas then single to centerfield to allow the runner on second to score and claim the 4-3 win.
Verde finished the game going 3-for-5 with two RBI. Myers was 2-for-4 with one RBI.
Brittany Cuevas (11-6) fanned 10 batters while walking just four in 8.2 innings of work. FIU was able to scatter 10 hits off the senior hurler.
The Cajuns will conclude the series with the Golden Panthers tomorrow afternoon. First pitch is scheduled for 11 a.m. CT.
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