March 11, 2010

Final Stats

SEATTLE – Taking on the defending national champion and top-ranked Washington Huskies, the Miami RedHawk softball fought for seven innings, but in the end fell, 3-0, on Thursday. It was the opening game of the Husky Softball Classic. Miami falls to 6-8 overall, while Washington improves to 18-1.

Facing the reigning National Player of the Year, pitcher Danielle Lawrie, the RedHawks were unable to record a baserunner or get a player on base. Meghan Mawn came closest in the top of the fourth inning with a line shot to left field that the Husky fielder dove to make the catch.

While the offense struggled, Miami’s pitching and defense was stellar throughout. Pitcher Jessica Simpson shut down the potent Washington attack, allowing only a single run on a wild pitch and two runs in the bottom of the sixth. Jenna McGivney made a couple of fine plays from the plate, throwing out the runner on Washington’s only stolen base attempt in the bottom of the first, and picking another runner off first base in the bottom of the second. Jordan McElroy saved a base hit with a diving catch in the bottom of the fourth.

Simpson finished the day giving up three earned runs on six hits in six innings pitched. She struck out six. Miami continues play with two more games Thursday at the Husky Softball Classic.

The RedHawks will take on Portland State at 6:30 p.m., followed by a rematch with top-ranked Washington at 9 p.m.