Youngstown had only five hits, but Cleveland State committed two errors.
By JIM FLICK
VINDICATOR CORRESPONDENT
CANFIELD — Two monstrous home runs sparked the Youngstown State softball team to a 4-2 victory Tuesday afternoon over Cleveland State.
A strong pitching performance by senior Karlie Burnell and outstanding defense also keyed the win at McCune Park, which raised YSU's record to 7-8 (2-2 Horizon League). CSU is 17-6 (2-2 HL) with league play just beginning.
"We have some good sticks," said coach Christy Cameron.
McKenzie Bedra and Autumn Grove wielded their "good sticks" Tuesday, each bashing two-run home runs to account for YSU's offense. The players share the team lead with four home runs each this season.
While Burnell (6-3) pitched well for YSU and earned the win, she got off to a rocky start. CSU got three hits, including a bunt single, in the top of the first and scored a run to take a 1-0 lead.
But YSU struck back quickly. Grove, a freshman, gave YSU a 2-1 lead when she smashed a ball over the left field wall in the bottom of the first inning.
Tied, 2-2
CSU tied the score 2-2 in the top of the third. Second baseman Amanda Houchin singled to center and came around to score when shortstop Christa Coppus lashed a doubled to left center.
But Bedra put YSU back in front 4-2 for good in the bottom of the third, when she smashed a home run to left center. Bedra leads the team with 17 RBIs this season.
Then Burnell took over, shutting out CSU in the game's last four innings. She gave up only two more hits, harmless singles in the fifth and seventh innings.
Burnell "was hitting her spots," Cameron said after the game.
Cameron also praised her team's defense. "We settled down, made the routine plays and didn't give them [CSU] any extra opportunities," she remarked, pointing out that her team did not commit an error.
"But we capitalized," Cameron added, when CSU pitcher Amanda Macenko made mistakes. Despite the loss, Macenko has compiled an impressive 14-4 record.
CSU outhit YSU 8-5, but twice gave the Penguins what Cameron called "extra opportunities" by committing two errors.
Besides scoring the winning runs Tuesday, Bedra's home run was memorable because earned her a place in YSU's record book. The homer was the 18th of Bedra's career, which ties the junior third baseman for the program's all-time lead.
"I jumped on the first pitch," she recalled. "I like to jump on the first pitch."
Bedra minimized her pursuit of YSU's all-time career home run mark, answering only "yes" when asked if setting a new record is one of her goals. It seems certain Bedra will leave the school with the all-time record, since she is scheduled to play 29 games on this year's remaining regular season, plus post-season tournament play, and will return next year for her senior year.
Supporting pitcher
Bedra added that home runs are an important part of a team's offense because hitting them "picks up the team and gets them motivated. And it shows the pitcher we're providing support for her."
YSU is scheduled to return to action today, with a doubleheader at St. Francis (Pa.). The team will play three games this weekend at McCune Park against Detroit, including a doubleheader Friday and a single game Saturday.
Wednesday, April 4, 2007
Youngstown had only five hits, but Cleveland State committed two errors.
By JIM FLICK
VINDICATOR CORRESPONDENT
CANFIELD — Two monstrous home runs sparked the Youngstown State softball team to a 4-2 victory Tuesday afternoon over Cleveland State.
A strong pitching performance by senior Karlie Burnell and outstanding defense also keyed the win at McCune Park, which raised YSU's record to 7-8 (2-2 Horizon League). CSU is 17-6 (2-2 HL) with league play just beginning.
"We have some good sticks," said coach Christy Cameron.
McKenzie Bedra and Autumn Grove wielded their "good sticks" Tuesday, each bashing two-run home runs to account for YSU's offense. The players share the team lead with four home runs each this season.
While Burnell (6-3) pitched well for YSU and earned the win, she got off to a rocky start. CSU got three hits, including a bunt single, in the top of the first and scored a run to take a 1-0 lead.
But YSU struck back quickly. Grove, a freshman, gave YSU a 2-1 lead when she smashed a ball over the left field wall in the bottom of the first inning.
Tied, 2-2
CSU tied the score 2-2 in the top of the third. Second baseman Amanda Houchin singled to center and came around to score when shortstop Christa Coppus lashed a doubled to left center.
But Bedra put YSU back in front 4-2 for good in the bottom of the third, when she smashed a home run to left center. Bedra leads the team with 17 RBIs this season.
Then Burnell took over, shutting out CSU in the game's last four innings. She gave up only two more hits, harmless singles in the fifth and seventh innings.
Burnell "was hitting her spots," Cameron said after the game.
Cameron also praised her team's defense. "We settled down, made the routine plays and didn't give them [CSU] any extra opportunities," she remarked, pointing out that her team did not commit an error.
"But we capitalized," Cameron added, when CSU pitcher Amanda Macenko made mistakes. Despite the loss, Macenko has compiled an impressive 14-4 record.
CSU outhit YSU 8-5, but twice gave the Penguins what Cameron called "extra opportunities" by committing two errors.
Besides scoring the winning runs Tuesday, Bedra's home run was memorable because earned her a place in YSU's record book. The homer was the 18th of Bedra's career, which ties the junior third baseman for the program's all-time lead.
"I jumped on the first pitch," she recalled. "I like to jump on the first pitch."
Bedra minimized her pursuit of YSU's all-time career home run mark, answering only "yes" when asked if setting a new record is one of her goals. It seems certain Bedra will leave the school with the all-time record, since she is scheduled to play 29 games on this year's remaining regular season, plus post-season tournament play, and will return next year for her senior year.
Supporting pitcher
Bedra added that home runs are an important part of a team's offense because hitting them "picks up the team and gets them motivated. And it shows the pitcher we're providing support for her."
YSU is scheduled to return to action today, with a doubleheader at St. Francis (Pa.). The team will play three games this weekend at McCune Park against Detroit, including a doubleheader Friday and a single game Saturday.
Wednesday, April 4, 2007
Two monstrous home runs sparked the Youngstown State softball team to a 4-2 victory Tuesday afternoon over Cleveland...
