March 15, 2002
SANTA CLARA, Calif. - The Santa Clara University softball team defeated the Tennessee Tech Golden Eagles with a score of 7-2 in the first game of the doubleheader this evening at Marsalli Park, followed by a second game loss of 1-3. The Broncos conclude today's play with a record of 13-18, while the Golden Eagles walk away 11-12.
In the first game, the game was scoreless until the top of the third when Tennessee Tech was able to put a run on the board. The Golden Eagles would remain in the lead until the Broncos pulled away in the bottom of the fifth. Kelley Johnson reached first on a single to right field and was promptly moved to second by teammate Deanna Rodriguez on a sacrifice bunt. Johnson took third on a wild pitch by Tennessee Tech pitcher Lisa Lamb. Lacey Smale pinch hit for Keri Reisinger and drove in Johnson with a double to right field. Reisinger then went back in to run for Smale. Coresta Salas moved Reisinger to third with a single to right center. The Golden Eagles then had a pitching change as Tia Brenning came in for Lamb. With runners at the corners, Salas was able to entice a throw from the catcher as she attempted to steal second, which resulted in a pickle. On a ball that was thrown away, Reisinger was able to score and Salas advance to second. Then inning ended with a fly out to center field by Kristi Harrington.
Tennessee Tech tied the game 2 all in the top of the sixth, but the Broncos rallied back and scored five runs in the bottom of the inning. The game winning run was scored by Andria Plasencia who was put in to pinch run for Jennifer Ponzo who reached first on an error by the third baseman. Both Roni Rivera and Salas recorded a double with two RBI's in the fifth along with Harrington who singled to bring in a run.
Santa Clara pitcher Kelley Johnson took the win for the Broncos. Her record improves to 5-3 as Tennessee Tech pitcher Brenning falls to 0-3.
In the second game, the Golden Eagles took the early lead over the Broncos in the top of the second. They produced two runs, which started from a double by Amy Goad. In the bottom of the third, Santa Clara answered back with a lead off triple by Tracie Hall. Rachel Sherman drove in Hall with a sacrifice fly to right field. The Broncos, however, were shut down by the Tennessee Tech defense and were unable to produce anymore runs.
Lori Bayless recorded the win for the Golden Eagles as Santa Clara pitch Rodriguez fell to 6-8 on the season.
The Broncos will return to action at home on Sunday, March 25 against Western Washington. The first pitch is slated for noon.
