Bears, FAMU Split Double-Header
4/28/2010 12:00:00 AM | Softball
MACON, Ga. – Mercer University's softball team had
a chance to administer a knockout punch to Florida A&M
University in a non-conference doubleheader on Tuesday afternoon at
Sikes Field. Instead, the Bears (7-6) had to settle for a split
decision, winning the opener 11-0 and dropping the nightcap,
8-0.
“We are Jekyll and Hyde,” said MU head coach Mike Raynor of his team's polar opposite results in the twinbill. “We knew going in that they were a very good team with some significant wins to their credit. In game one, we never let them get momentum.
“But in game two, we spotted them a three run lead and their dugout came alive. And we saw how it came out. The last thing I told (the Bears' players) before the second game was 'be sure not to lose focus'. Obviously, we did."
Junior lefthanded pitcher Jenni Holtz retired FAMU in order in the first frame, including fanning the first two hitters she faced. Holtz would eventually finish the game with five “Ks” and no walks during her scoreless three inning stint of the five-inning game (shortened by the “mercy rule"). She improved her personal record to 4-3 on the year with the win.
After the inspired start from Holtz, the Bears batters battered Rattlers' starter Amanda Reyes from the get-go in the bottom of the first. Rightfielder Anna Johnson reached on a throwing error on the FAMU third baseman. That was followed by a bunt single by Holly Oglesbee, with Johnson moving over to second. Designated player Emi Sherrill then popped out to second base for the first out of the inning.
That brought up sophomore shortstop Sara Stukes. Stukes promptly deposited Reyes' first offering over the center field fence to put Mercer on top, 3-0. The three-run blast was Stukes' second homer of the season and upped her runs batted in total to 10 for the season.
The MU assault continued into the second and third innings.
In the second, Mercer again played longball, this time off the bat of Oglesbee. Oglesbee's two-run shot made it 5-0. The Bears would add another run when Amanda Santa Maria coaxed a bases loaded walk off of Reyes, making 6-0.
The six runs allowed through two innings did end Reyes' day, but FAMU reliever Mel Oliphant was given just as rude of a reception by the MU bats in the third. The Bears sent 10 batters to the late and, when the dust had settled, had added five more tallies for the 11-0 final score.
After Holtz had completed her three innings of work, allowing just two hits, it was Kari Chambers getting some work by completing the final two innings. Chambers allowed just one hit and had two strikeouts without issuing a base on balls either.
Oglesbee had the big day at the plate, going 3-for-3 with four RBI. Sarah Santana and Johnson each went 2-for-3 for MU. Johnson scored three times and Santana had one RBI.
Santa Maria drew three walks, two with bases loaded to earn a pair of RBI, as well.
As hot as Mercer's bats were in game No. 1, they were cold for the vast majority of the second contest. The Bears did not even manage a hit off of FAMU winning pitcher Jenn Lindsey, who would throw the complete six innings as the Rattlers notched the “mercy rule” win right back at the hosts.
Oglesbee's single to left field in the fifth gave Mercer its first hit of the night. Pinch-hitter Allison Jones and designated player Stephanie Canara had Mercer's other two singles.
MU's starter in game two, Natalie Jones (1-2), gave up three first inning runs and was lifted by Raynor. The Bears' mentor brought back his ace Holtz to try and restore order. Holtz kept the Rattlers quiet for the next two innings before FAMU roughed her up for two runs in the fourth and three in the sixth – all earned – as the visitors went up 8-0.
“We are Jekyll and Hyde,” said MU head coach Mike Raynor of his team's polar opposite results in the twinbill. “We knew going in that they were a very good team with some significant wins to their credit. In game one, we never let them get momentum.
“But in game two, we spotted them a three run lead and their dugout came alive. And we saw how it came out. The last thing I told (the Bears' players) before the second game was 'be sure not to lose focus'. Obviously, we did."
Junior lefthanded pitcher Jenni Holtz retired FAMU in order in the first frame, including fanning the first two hitters she faced. Holtz would eventually finish the game with five “Ks” and no walks during her scoreless three inning stint of the five-inning game (shortened by the “mercy rule"). She improved her personal record to 4-3 on the year with the win.
After the inspired start from Holtz, the Bears batters battered Rattlers' starter Amanda Reyes from the get-go in the bottom of the first. Rightfielder Anna Johnson reached on a throwing error on the FAMU third baseman. That was followed by a bunt single by Holly Oglesbee, with Johnson moving over to second. Designated player Emi Sherrill then popped out to second base for the first out of the inning.
That brought up sophomore shortstop Sara Stukes. Stukes promptly deposited Reyes' first offering over the center field fence to put Mercer on top, 3-0. The three-run blast was Stukes' second homer of the season and upped her runs batted in total to 10 for the season.
The MU assault continued into the second and third innings.
In the second, Mercer again played longball, this time off the bat of Oglesbee. Oglesbee's two-run shot made it 5-0. The Bears would add another run when Amanda Santa Maria coaxed a bases loaded walk off of Reyes, making 6-0.
The six runs allowed through two innings did end Reyes' day, but FAMU reliever Mel Oliphant was given just as rude of a reception by the MU bats in the third. The Bears sent 10 batters to the late and, when the dust had settled, had added five more tallies for the 11-0 final score.
After Holtz had completed her three innings of work, allowing just two hits, it was Kari Chambers getting some work by completing the final two innings. Chambers allowed just one hit and had two strikeouts without issuing a base on balls either.
Oglesbee had the big day at the plate, going 3-for-3 with four RBI. Sarah Santana and Johnson each went 2-for-3 for MU. Johnson scored three times and Santana had one RBI.
Santa Maria drew three walks, two with bases loaded to earn a pair of RBI, as well.
As hot as Mercer's bats were in game No. 1, they were cold for the vast majority of the second contest. The Bears did not even manage a hit off of FAMU winning pitcher Jenn Lindsey, who would throw the complete six innings as the Rattlers notched the “mercy rule” win right back at the hosts.
Oglesbee's single to left field in the fifth gave Mercer its first hit of the night. Pinch-hitter Allison Jones and designated player Stephanie Canara had Mercer's other two singles.
MU's starter in game two, Natalie Jones (1-2), gave up three first inning runs and was lifted by Raynor. The Bears' mentor brought back his ace Holtz to try and restore order. Holtz kept the Rattlers quiet for the next two innings before FAMU roughed her up for two runs in the fourth and three in the sixth – all earned – as the visitors went up 8-0.
Players Mentioned
Infield
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