Creighton University
#3/2 Arizona
Wildcats Finish Softball Doubleheader Sweep with 7-3 Win Over Bluejays
3/6/2007 2:00:00 AM | Softball
TUCSON, Ariz. Defending national champion Arizona completed a doubleheader sweep over the Creighton softball team with a 7-3 victory in the night cap Tuesday night at Hillenbrand Stadium. The No. 3/2 Wildcats (16-3) topped the Bluejays (8-3) by a 6-2 score in the first game of the day.
In game two, the Wildcats jumped on top with two runs in the first inning on a two-out, two-run home run by cleanup hitter Jenae Leles. Arizona would add two more run in both the third and fourth innings as well to go ahead 6-0.
The Bluejays scored their first two runs of the game in the fifth. Freshman Michelle Graner led off the inning with a single to right field, followed by a Caitlin Marcano single up the middle which moved Graner to third. Lau Emmsley-Chang then grounded out to third, driving in Graner for CU's first run. A Jessica Wakasugi single would then plate pinch-runner Kate Petullo with the second run of the inning.
The Jays again cut into the Arizona lead in the sixth inning, taking advantage of a Wildcat error to make the score 6-3 in favor of the home team. Arizona added to its lead with an unearned run of its own in the bottom of the frame to extend to the final 7-3 margin.
Creighton had the tying run at the plate in the form of senior Jessica German in the top of the seventh inning, but with the bases loaded and two outs, German grounded into a fielder's choice to end the game.
Tucson native Amanda Hess (2-2) took the loss in the circle for the Bluejays. Hess pitched a complete game, going six innings, allowing nine hits, seven runs (six earned), with five walks and five strike outs.
Graner finished 2-for-2 with a walk and run scored in the game, while Wakasugi also collected two hits and reached base when hit by a pitch in the seventh. The Bluejays ended the game with eight base hits, compared to nine by the nationally-ranked Wildcats.
Sarah Akamine (6-0) went the distance for Arizona, fanning six Bluejays and allowing two earned runs. All-American Caitlin Lowe went 3-for-4 with two RBI and three runs scored.
The Bluejays return to action tomorrow at noon (CST) with a single game at No. 2/6 Arizona State.
