Louisville, Ky. - The Lady Topper softball team (13-7) opened day one of the Louisville Classic with a loss to #6 Michigan 7-1, before falling late against Louisville in game two, 3-2.
On the day the Lady Toppers tallied three runs off 13 hits, stranding 16 runners on base. Freshman Amanda Thomas went three-for-six at the plate with one RBI. Freshman Kelsie Mattox went two-for-five at the plate with two doubles, one run and one RBI. Sophomore Kim Wagner pitched the opening game against Michigan allowing seven runs off eight hits, while striking out two batters, her record is now 6-3 on the season. Sophomore Mallorie Sulaski pitched five innings against Louisville allowing three runs off six hits, while striking out one, her record falls to 5-3 on the season.
"We wanted to play in this tournament for the challenge, we knew we would be facing two very good programs," said head coach Tyra Perry. "In the Michigan game we came out a little scared and timid and then got it together in the third inning and played a good game from that inning on. We have to be able to start from the beginning playing ball. In the Louisville game, we played a good beginning but we have to be able to finish the game. Putting seven innings together, especially when you are playing teams that are in the top-25 is very important."
In game one, the Lady Toppers tallied one run off six hits leaving six runners stranded. Michigan out-hit the Lady Toppers 8-6. Michigan opened the game in the bottom of the first inning with two runs off two hits. The opening batter walked followed by a single to left field. The bases were loaded after a walk, the Wolverines brought one run in of a fielder's choice out at home, and an error on the Lady Toppers brought one run in on the play. Michigan followed up with a single up the middle, bringing the second run in.
The Wolverines added five more runs in the bottom of the second inning off five hits. Michigan opened with a single to first base followed by a bunt single advancing runner to second. Runners moved to third on a ground out, followed by an intentional walk, loading the bases. Amanda Chidester hit a double to left field bringing two runs in followed by a second double to left field bringing two more runs in. A single up the middle brought the fifth run in of the inning.
The Lady Toppers had a chance in the top of the fourth to battle back leaving the bases loaded. Sophomore Ciara Garcia was walked to open the inning advancing to second as junior Amanda Walden reached on an error. Thomas hit a single loading the bases, but were unable to bring a runner in.
In the top of the sixth inning, the Lady Toppers brought one run in off one hit. Garcia opened the inning with a single up the middle, freshman Tiffany Gooch pinch ran for Garcia advancing to second on a sacrifice bunt by Wagner. Gooch advanced to third on a wild pitch. Sophomore Mallorie Sulaski reached on a walk and stole second. Walden grounded out to second bringing Gooch in for the Lady Toppers first run.
WKU held Michigan scoreless after the first two innings allowing only one hit after the second inning.
In game two, the Lady Toppers tallied two runs off seven hits with two errors, leaving 10 runners stranded. Louisville tallied three runs off seven hits leaving seven runners stranded.
After a scoreless two innings, Louisville opened the bottom of the second inning with one run off one hit and one WKU error. Leading off batter reached after being hit by pitch, followed by a double to right center, placing runners at second and third. Followed by a throwing error by the Lady Toppers bringing the one run in off the error.
The Lady Toppers tied the game in the top of the fourth inning with one run off one hit. Mattox reached on a walk and stole second. Thomas followed up with a single to right field bringing Mattox in for the tying run.
WKU took the lead in the top of the fifth inning with one run off three hits. Senior Sara Williams opened the inning with a single to right field, freshman Olivia Watkins pinch ran for Williams. Junior Laura Smith followed up with a single up the middle advancing Watkins to second. Garcia loaded the bases with a single to left field. Watkins was brought in as Mattox was hit by the pitch for the leading run.
Louisville took the lead in the bottom of the sixth inning with two runs off one hit and one Lady Topper error. Leading off with a hit by pitch followed by the second batter reaching on an error by the Lady Toppers, putting runners on first and second. Taner Fowler hit a double to center field bringing two runs in taking the lead.
The Lady Toppers tried to battle back in the top of the seventh inning with one hit leaving one runner on base. Mattox opened with a double to center field, but the Lady Toppers fell short in the end. Junior pitcher Dana Nathanson finished the game pitching one inning allowing one hit facing four batters.
WKU will face both teams tomorrow in the final day of the Louisville Classic with #6 Michigan at 10 a.m., before battling Louisville at 2 p.m.
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