Oct. 3, 2009

Game 1 Box Score

Game 2 Box Score

Final Stats

Final Stats

MEMPHIS, Tenn. - Pitchers Vanessa Walle and Carly Hummel threw a no-hit shutout in game one and Janelle Valle and Hummel threw a four-hit shutout in game two as the Tigers swept the Lady Braves of Alcorn State in Saturday's doubleheader at the Tiger Softball Complex in Memphis.

The Tigers scored three runs on four hits in the third inning to take game one of the doubleheader against Alcorn State, 3-0. In game two, the Tigers exploded for five runs on four hits and one error in the second inning to defeat the Lady Braves, 6-0.

Hummel, a freshman from Bakersfield, Calif., came on in relief in both games of the doubleheader on Saturday to pitch her first six innings as a member of the University of Memphis softball team. Over six innings, Hummel struck out 16 batters and allowed no hits, no earned runs and only two base runners (one walk and one hit by pitch).

"(Carly) Hummel is my MVP for the day," said Memphis head coach Windy Thees. " She struck out everybody she faced but two (batters). The girl she hit was by a button. I think she did a very good job.

Walle, a senior from Phoenix, Ariz., got the starting nod for Coach Thees' U of M squad in game one on Saturday. The righthander allowed no runs on no hits and struck out six batters over four innings. The only runners Walle allowed were a walk to Hanako Kilburn and four runners that reached base due to throwing errors.

"Vanessa (Walle) did outstanding in the first game to earn the win," Thees said.

The Tigers used a Leigh Rowan single with two on to score pinch runner Morgan Mosby, a freshman, for the first run of game one in the fourth inning. Memphis continued its scoring rally when junior catcher Keanah Prestridge, a newcomer from Moore, Okla., singled in Jessica Phillips to put Memphis ahead, 2-0. Alcorn State pitcher Jennie Hatch walked sophomore Alyssa Palmieri, scoring pinch runner Cheyenne Mascarenas from third base to put the Tigers ahead, 3-0. The Tigers ended their fourth inning scoring with three runs on four hits and one error.

In game two of the doubleheader, the Tigers tallied five runs off four hits and an error in the second inning. Sophomore Lelani Bernardino put the Tigers on the scoreboard with a one out double down the left field line scoring Nikki Moreno from first and Phillips from second. Junior Maddie McKinley put the Tigers ahead 5-0 with a three run shot to left field scoring Bernardino and Palmieri.

Memphis extended its lead to 6-0 in the fourth inning off of a Mosby single that scored McKinley from second.

The Tigers were led offensively on the day by McKinley, a native of Chickamauga, Ga., who finished with two runs and three RBI on four hits and seven plate appearances.

Memphis newcomer Mosby, a product of Hernando, Miss., finished with one run and one RBI in her first game as a Tiger. Prestridge, a junior transfer, had one RBI on the day, while Mascarenas, a freshman from Garden Grove, Calif., accounted for one run. Shanna Brown, another newcomer for Thees' squad started both games at second base.

"I loved our freshmen," Thees said. "They all got out (and played) and showed no fear and played the game. I was really proud of what they were doing. I am pleased where we are at just having four days of practice but we still have a long way to go."

Junior Janelle Valle got the win in game two of the doubleheader, pitching four innings while allowing no runs on four hits and one walk.

"I saw some good things (tonight). It is early in the fall so the good news is we have a long time before the season starts," Thees said. "We have got a lot of work to do. Offensively, we have to get more consistent. We have got to have more aggressive at bats and more confident at bats. Overall, Alcorn State is a really solid team. I think we came out and competed very well.

Saturday's fall matches were the first of the season for the Tigers who began practice earlier this week. The Tigers will face Western Kentucky and Mississippi Valley State next Fri., Oct. 9, to continue fall ball. First pitch for the game with Hilltoppers is scheduled for 3 p.m. The game with the Delta Devils is scheduled for 7 p.m.