April 23, 2011

Game One Box Score | Box Score | Updated Stats

CHICAGO - A four-run third inning would set the tone for the UIC softball team's 6-0 victory in the opener of a doubleheader against visiting Cleveland State on Saturday afternoon.

The Flames (19-18, 9-6 Horizon) would split with the Vikings, falling 1-0 in the nightcap.

GAME ONE: UIC 6, Cleveland State 0
After clamping down on CSU in the second who closed out the top of the inning with the bases loaded, Claire Donyanavard would bring in the go-ahead run with the bases loaded after getting pegged by a pitch from hurler Tess Sito for a 1-0 lead.

But the third inning would be the difference maker, starting with back-to-back singles from Carly DeMarco and Coryn Schmit, with DeMarco advancing all the way to third amidst an error from right fielder Jessica Burt.

With Natalie Hernandez getting hit by a pitch to load things up, DeMarco would score courtesy a centerfield jack from Jenna Marsalli for a two-run cushion.

A wild pitch would move everyone over but CSU would nab Schmit as she attempted to head home for the second out of the inning.

A errant throw from catcher Amy Powell trying to pick off Marsalli at third would go deep down the left field line, allowing both Marsalli and Courtney Heeley to score unearned for the final run of the inning for a five-run lead.

Devin Miller would hold things down for the Flames from the circle, limiting CSU to three hits while fanning six.

The Flames final run of the contest would fall in the sixth, when senior Christie Seddon would score during a single from Hernandez that was just out of reach of the Vikings shortstop.

GAME TWO: Cleveland State 1, UIC 0
The nightcap would feature a very different feel after UIC got nine hits off one of the league's top pitchers in Sito as CSU's Megan Bashak moved from left field to the circle and shut down the Flames at the plate, limiting the home team to a single hit, Macias' game-opening single straight up the middle.

The Vikings would get the squad's lone run of the afternoon with two outs in the fourth off a solo shot from secondbaseman Dara Toman, bouncing off the scoreboard in left centerfield.

Bashak would retire 19 straight batters with one out in the seventh when Hernandez would break the streak with a single out to left.

After a flyout to right from Marsalli left the Flames to their final out, Heeley would take a five-pitch walk for runners on second and first for firstbaseman Kelsey Sturgeon, whose smack to left field fell into the glove of Andrea Nagy to close out the afternoon with a split.

"I don't care where they are in the league standings, that is a competitive and tough team," said head coach Michelle Venturella.

"I'm really pleased with the efforts from the circle today. Devin did a great job. We just struggled in our efforts to adjust offensively in the second game, and at this point in the season, we need to be firing on all cylinders."

Prior to the start of the doubleheader, the senior trio of DeMarco, Donyanavard and Seddon were honored for their efforts and commitment over the course of their Flames' careers.

"While are season is far from over, we want to thank Claire, Carly and Christie for their dedication to our program over the past four years and wish them continued success as they continue on their journey beyond the confines of Flames Field and UIC."

The Flames will close out the season on their home field with a single contest against Northwestern on Monday evening. The first pitch against the Wildcats is scheduled for 6:30 p.m.