March 11, 2007
Box Score
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - Senior Jenna Renner broke a scoreless tie in the top of the fourth with a two-run homer to help the Billikens to a 3-2 victory over Alabama State on Sunday at the Bulldog Bash. SLU (6-10) starting pitcher Rosie Gonzalez had a perfect game going until ASU managed an infield single in the bottom of the fifth. She earned her second win of the season in the complete game, allowing two runs on three hits while striking out a team season-high 10.
Neither team was able to push runs across early on, though SLU did have a few opportunities. Freshman Kinsley Kelley singled in the second inning, then stole a base to move into scoring position with one before being stranded. Freshman Annie Dillinger tried to start a two-out rally in the third, but she was stranded at first after a single.
SLU got on the board in the top of the fourth. With one out, Kelley singled to second base. Renner then drove a two-out pitch over the right center fence for her second-career home run and a 2-0 Billiken lead.
Alabama State cut its deficit in half in the bottom of the fifth. April O'Neal reached on an infield single, then advanced to third after a passed ball and stolen base. With two outs, Amber Smith stroked a single to right field to plate O'Neal and cut SLU's lead to 2-1.
Aggressive base running plated a Billiken run in the top of the sixth, which would eventually prove to be the winning run. Nicki Jost reached on a fielding error by the right fielder. She stole second, then was able to advance to third after an errand throw by the catcher. She eventually crossed the plate on a wild pitch, stretching SLU's lead to 3-1.
Jost's run proved worthy, as ASU made it interesting in the bottom of the seventh. Gonzalez looked to be easing her way to her second win of the year, but ASU's Destinee Sanchez had other thoughts. With two outs, she sent a Gonzalez pitch over the right field fence to pull the Lady Hornets within one. Gonzalez, who was not phased, proceeded to freeze the next ASU batter to secure the victory, the second over ASU in as many days.
Kelley led the team with a pair of hits, while senior Jill Pursell hit safely in her 10th-straight game.
SLU wraps up play in the Bulldog Bash this afternoon against Samford. First pitch is slated for 1:15 p.m. (CT).
