Box Score Coastal Drops a Close One to Pittsburgh, 1-0 More Information:
CLEARWATER, FLA. – Sophomore starter Danyelle Gerdts (Colorado Springs, Colo./Air Academy) went all seven innings only surrendering a single run on three hits, but took the tough loss as Coastal Carolina’s softball team was symied by the University of Pittsburg, 1-0, on the second day of the Speedline Tournament on Friday afternoon, March 11.
CCU had a great opportunity in the first inning when freshman Allison Cantrell (McDonough, Ga./Eagle’s Landing) singled and and junior Sara Hostetler (Albuquerque, N.M./Valley) double to put two runners on with one out. But Pittsburg starter Christa Hunter retired the next batters on a groundout and foul out to get out of the difficult situation.
In the third inning Pittsburg mounted its first serious threat of the game as three walks loaded the bases with two away but CCU starting pitcher Gerdts got herself out of trouble by getting senior Casey Pickard to fly out deep to the leftfielder.
Coastal would again start to get a rally going in the fifth inning, as junior catcher Kelly Feely (Livermore, Calif./Granada) opened the bottom of the frame with a single to left center. Senior Delane Grainger (Scottsdale, Ariz./Chapparal (Phoenix College)) bunted for a hit with out to put runners on first and second. But an inning ending double ended the frame for the Lady Chanticleers.
Pittsburg would break through in the top of the sixth as Pickard singled to open the frame and kept running to advance herself to second.She came home to score on a single up the middle from sophomore shortstop Sheena Hellon for what would prove to be the only tally of the morning.
Gerdts took the loss for Coastal as her record drops to 1-2 on the season. The win went to Pittsburg starter Hunter. Cantrell and Feely lead the offensive attack for the Chants with two hits apiece.
The Chants will next take the field Saturday, March 12 to take on Central Michigan University on the third day of the Speedline Tournament at 10 a.m. An elimination game will be played tommorrow afternoon against a yet to be determined opponent.
