MEMPHIS – A seven-inning rally in the first game of a doubleheader led to a near miss for the Lady Braves softball team on Wednesday. Despite scoring three runs in the final frame, Alcorn State could not defeat Memphis, falling 4-3 in game one and 11-2 in game two. With the losses, the Lady Braves move to 13-23 on the season, and the Tigers improve to 14-23.
GAME ONE (L, 4-3)
Kiri Parker (4-5) pitched the complete game for the loss in the circle. The Vacherie, La. native pitched 6.0 innings for five hits against, four runs (three earned), two walks, and two strikeouts.
Offensively, the Lady Braves brought home three runners with four hits and one error. Kristian Edwards, Marsha Hunt, Genise Wells, and Kelsey Lockridge had hits in the matchup, with Hunt and Lockridge connecting for doubles. Kennedy Terry, Chloey Morgan, and Desirea Lindsey had one run each, and Lockridge was responsible for a game-high of two RBIs.
Memphis scored its first two runs in the bottom of the second to get an early lead in the contest. Linsey Hargris singled to score Camryn Wineiger, and Hannah Bassham sent home Taylor Smrt, also on a single.
The Tigers scored the third run in the third frame, as Alyssa Dean stole home.
In the sixth inning, Memphis's fourth and final run was scored as Hargris connected for a single RBI homer to extend the lead to 4-0.
With four runs to score to stay in the game, Alcorn State did not give up, rallying for three runs in the final frame. Lockridge doubled to center field with bases loaded for three ribbies, bringing home Lindsey, Morgan, and Terry.
The Tigers had four hits and two errors in the matchup and scored four runs. Hargis led the offense with a 2-for-3 appearance, two RBIs, and one run. Hallie Siems (7-11) pitched seven innings to win. She had four hits against, three runs (one earned), three walks, and nine strikeouts.
GAME TWO (L, 11-2)
In the second contest of the day, the Lady Braves struck first, putting up the first run of the game in the top of the first. Chloey Morgan singled, and Kristian Edwards scored on an error by the centerfielder.
Memphis tied the game at one in the bottom of the inning with a one-run homer off the bat of Gracie Morton. Morton struck again for a two-RBI home run in the second frame to give the Tigers a 3-1 advantage.
In the top of the third, Alcorn added a second run. This time Desirea Lindsey was at the plate, hitting a single, but Tyesha Tcake Cole eventually crossed the plate on an error by the Tiger catcher.
The bottom of the frame was very productive for Memphis. The Tigers scored eight runs on seven hits and one error to all but ensure the win.
Both teams went scoreless in the fourth and the fifth, and the game concluded after the fifth due to the run rule.
At the plate, the Lady Braves had seven hits for two runs, and in the field, they committed two errors. Seven Alcornites delivered hits as Edwards and Cole scored one run each.
Lexi Veamoi (3-9) was credited with the loss in the circle. She threw for 2.1 innings for nine hits against, six runs (five earned), and one strikeout. A'Mya Stevens took over pitching duties in the third, occupying the circle for 1.2 frames for four hits against, five runs (four earned), three walks, and one strikeout.
The Tigers had 13 hits with two errors and 11 runs. Morton led the team with a 3-for-4 appearance for three RBIs and three runs. Kailey Hilderbrand (2-1) pitched 3.0 innings for the win with four hits against, two unearned runs, one walk, and one strikeout.
UP NEXT
The Alcorn State softball team returns to action on Friday, April 8, in the first game of a three-game conference series at the University of Arkansas – Pine Bluff. The series will conclude on Saturday, April 9, with a noon doubleheader.
For the latest on Alcorn State softball, check AlcornSports.com for the latest news and scheduling information, or follow the Braves through Twitter (@BravesSports) and Instagram (@AlcornSports).
