March 4, 2007
UMKC Box Score | Missouri State Box Score
ST. LOUIS - Saint Louis won both of its games in the weather-shortened SLU Cancer Center Classic on Sunday at Billikens Sports Center. SLU used a 3-for-3, two RBI day at the plate from senior catcher Jenna Renner to edge UMKC 5-4. In the nightcap, the Billikens benefitted from a gutsy performance from junior pitcher Ashley Levan and a bases loaded triple from sophomore shortstop Rachel Heet as the Bills topped Missouri State 3-2.
In cold, blustery conditions at The Billikens Sports Center, SLU managed to jump on top early in the opening game against UMKC. With the bases loaded in the bottom of the first, freshman infielder Kinsley Kelley was hit by a pitch to score Heet and make it 1-0. With the bases still jammed, Renner sent a rocket to the right centerfield gap that hit off the middle of the fence and dropped to the ground for a double, scoring two runs and stretching the Billikens' lead to 3-0 after one.
But the Kangaroos would get some help from the long ball to get back in it. Alicia Baker sent a Lorena Floccari pitch over the left field fence in the top of the second inning to make it 3-1. In the next frame, Ashley Toft smashed a three-run shot to give UMKC the lead and chase Floccari from the game.
The Billikens plated the eventual winning runs in the fifth. Kelley singled up the middle, then freshman outfielder Brittney Schmidt walked. Renner loaded the bases with single, then freshman outfielder Rachel O'Connell drew a bases loaded walk to knot the score at 3-3. With the bases still juiced, senior infielder Allison Appenfeller hit a blooper that bounced in and out of the sprawling left fielder's glove, plating Schmidt for the eventual winning run.
Meanwhile, junior hurler Rosie Gonzalez limited UMKC to just three hits over the next four innings to secure her first win as a Billiken.
Renner's three hits and two RBIs are both career highs. Kelley went 2-for-3 with an RBI and a run scored against UMKC.
Against Missouri State, the Billikens relied on effective pitching and a clutch at-bat for the win. SLU fell behind 2-0 after an RBI single from Lauren McGinley and a solo home run from Katie Martin in the third inning.
But just like it did in the first game, Saint Louis got a big fifth inning, and it delivered the same result. Freshman utility player Shana Richard led off with a single to right. Jody Herbert, trying to advance the runner, laid down a perfectly placed bunt that resulted as a single. O'Connell put down a clutch sacrifice bunt to advance the runners to second and third with just one out. A walk to senior outfielder Jill Pursell loaded the bases and set up Heet's heroics. With one out, Heet smacked a Melissa Porche pitch just inside the third base bag and down the left field line to clear the bases and give the Billikens the only runs they would need.
Levan struck out eight in her second complete game victory of the year. She scattered just six hits while allowing two runs, only one of which was earned.
The Billikens begin their annual Spring Break trip next weekend when they play in Samford University's Bulldog Bash in Birmingham, Ala. The tourney begins on Saturday with games against Samford and Alabama State.
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