Holtz Makes History In Belmont Split
4/10/2010 12:00:00 AM | Softball
MACON, Ga. – It was not a matter of will she, but rather a matter of when. Mercer pitcher Jenni Holtz cemented herself in the Bear's history books on Saturday in a doubleheader split against Belmont.
The junior from Tracy, Calif. set the All-Time Mercer career mark for strikeouts besting former pitcher Katie Rosentreter's record of 722 on Saturday. Holtz recorded 16 strikeouts in two appearances on Saturday pushing her career total to 724 and claiming the number one spot in just her third season in Macon.
Holtz came into the twin-bill 15 strikeouts behind Rosentreter for the All-Time lead. Holtz's season high before Saturday was 14 so the record seemed within reach, although it would have taken an overpowering performance to secure it on Saturday.
As efficient as Holtz was, it seemed as though the record would have to wait as the Bears run-ruled the Bruins in five innings and won game one 10-0. Holtz finished the game with eight strikeouts putting her career total at 718, just four behind Rosentreter at 722.
The Bear's offense was potent in game one, scoring in double-digits for the first time since February 23 against Savannah State. Mercer scattered 11 hits with sophomore Kristin Marko, freshman Sarah Santana and senior Stacey Condra adding multiple hits in just five innings. Santana led the way going 2-for-3 in game one including a two-run homerun in the second – it was her fourth of the season.
Junior pitcher Kari Chambers has solidified her spot as the number two pitcher in the Bears rotation and had the start in game two against Belmont. After subdued outing giving up three runs in two and a third innings pitched, Chambers handed the ball over to Holtz.
It was an unexpected opportunity, but one that Holtz would take advantage of. Inheriting a 1-3 deficit Holtz, was just four strikeouts away from topping Rosentreter. With the record clearly within reach, Holtz buckled down and did not allow another run to score making history in the process, striking out another eight batters to move her career total to 724 in just three years in a Mercer uniform.
Unfortunately, the Bears offense fell victim to their season-long folly and could not muster more than the one run scored in the bottom of the first. Bruins pitcher Devon Schmidt went the distance giving up just five hits and the one run.
The Bears will finish up their seven-game home stand on Tuesday against Auburn at 5 p.m. Stayed tuned to MercerBears.com for upcoming stories on Jenni Holtz's career-setting season!
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