Alcorn Hangs with Memphis Early in Two Games, but Tigers Grab Doubleheader

MEMPHIS, Tenn. – Freshman Amari Ramsey extended her hitting-streak to 14 games and her on-base streak to 16, but a hot Memphis squad snagged a pair of games 6-0 and 10-2 Tuesday at the Tigers Softball Complex.
 
Ramsey went three-for-six over the two games. She accounted for two of Alcorn's (5-21, 2-1 SWAC) three hits in the first game for her sixth multi-hit outing of the year.
 
"We put together a lot of quality at-bats today and that's a very good thing against some tough pitching," said Alcorn head coach Josef Rankin. "The thing I am most proud of is the way we competed and kept our energy up for the entire day. We are growing up in some areas and it's really fun to see."
 
Fellow freshman Malea Dickerson also knocked a single in game one with a hit up the middle in the seventh inning.
 
In the circle, senior Robin Harrison got the start and tossed 3.1 innings. She was cruising along until Memphis (25-8, 2-1 AAC) plated four in the fourth. Harrison struck out three. Sophomore Ambria Dorsey threw the final 2.2 frames in relief.
 
Molly Smith threw a complete-game shutout for the Tigers with eight strikeouts.
 
"We played well. Offensively, we missed some early opportunities with runners in scoring position in game one. Though, their ace is pretty tough," Rankin said. "I thought Robin did well. I don't think she gave up a hit until the fourth."
 
In game two, the Lady Braves pushed a pair of runs across in the fourth. It started with a lead-off walk by senior Taylor Hughes and a single up the middle by junior Victoria Tyler. Senior Mariah Ortiz registered an RBI double to left center to score Hughes who is the reigning SWAC Co-Hitter of the Week winner. An infield single by junior Kaylene Smith then scored Tyler.
 
Tyler finished the game two-for-two for her fourth multi-hit game of the year.
 
Ramsey's hit came in the first inning as she started the game with a single through the right side.
 
Junior Winter Ridgeway started and fired 2.2 innings. Junior Paige Taylor and freshman Lindsey Eldridge made appearances out of the bullpen.
 
"All of our pitchers were able to get some work in since we have a big of a break after today due to the weather. They all did well at competing. Memphis is playing at a pretty high level and I thought we did well at times to compete with them," Rankin said.
 
Memphis, which entered the day ranked No. 55 in the country according to NCAA RPI rankings, has now won eight of its last nine games. The Tigers were led by Brooke Lee who posted three hits and six RBI's over the two games.
 
The Lady Braves continued to mix and match their lineups and have now used 23 different batting orders this season.
 
"We are going to take a little time to bond tomorrow with the Civil Rights Museum tour and then get back to work on Thursday," Rankin said.
 
Alcorn was originally scheduled to play Texas A&M-Texarkana on Thursday, but the doubleheader has been canceled and will not be made up. The Lady Braves will have this upcoming weekend off from competition.
 
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