Softball Erases Four-Run Deficit in Offensive Slugfest

Saturday, February 24

El Paso, Texas

6:00 PM

University of Utah

Buffalo (UTEP Invitational)

Softball Erases Four-Run Deficit in Offensive Slugfest

2/24/2007 12:00 AM | Softball

Feb. 24, 2007

Box Score

EL PASO, Texas - Two home runs and a costly error helped the University of Utah softball team (8-5-1 overall) erase a four-run deficit and top the University at Buffalo here in the second game of the day at the UTEP Invitational, 9-5. The win extended Utah's winning streak to five games.

"Buffalo hasn't won any games this season, but, I tell you they sure don't act like," said head coach Angie Jacobs. "They're an aggressive, free-hitting team and they came out hitting the ball. I honestly think that our team believed Buffalo was going to roll over when we took the field.

"But, when they hung the four-spot on us, I think it got our attention. It helped us refocus which let our team get into a position where it could eventually win the game."

The seventh inning was full of fireworks for the Utes as it all began with a first-pitch solo home run by Kara Foster. The homer gave Utah the 6-5 lead. A costly throwing error by the catcher allowed Kristie Keller to score from third while Diana Phillips' two-run home run gave Utah the four-run lead with three outs left in the game.

Leading the Utes' offense tonight was Phillips. She went 3-for-4 with three RBI and a home run. Phillips also scored two runs. Keller was also 3-for-4 but it was Kelly Matthews who posted the most impressive numbers. She was 4-for-4 and scored three of Utah's runs tonight.

Hurler Meghan Dyer came on in relief to toss the last three innings. She picks up the win as she allowed two hits and fanned six Bull batters in three frames of work. Karina Cannon got the start and allowed 11 hits and five earned runs. She struck out five.

Utah finished the evening pounding out 15 hits and capitalizing on five Bull errors. UB finished the game with 13 hits.

Two RBI singles in the first gave UB the early 2-0 lead. But, the Bulls weren't finished as an RBI single coupled with an RBI double in the second gave Buffalo what seemed to be an insurmountable four-run lead after two fames.

But, the Utes chiseled away at it, outscoring UB 9-1 in the final five innings. Staci Hemingway's RBI single in the third made it 4-1 while Phillips was hit by a pitch with bases loaded in the fourth.

Buffalo answered with a run in the fourth as well but it couldn't counter what Utah had in store for the sixth and seventh innings.

The Crimson and White cut the lead down to one run in the sixth when Phillips hit an RBI single to right field. It scored Tori Medina. The Utes proceeded to pounce all over a UB error in plating two more runs in the same inning, effectively erasing the four-run deficit and tying it at 5-5 heading into the seventh.

Marcy Hansen was the Bulls' most dangerous threat at the plate. She was 3-for-3 with an RBI and a run scored tonight. Sharon Barr is UB's pitcher of record as she gave up nine runs, only four of which were earned.

This marked the second game of the day for the Utes. They got the day started with an 8-0 win over Northern Colorado.