March 6, 2006
PENSACOLA, Fla. - Natalie Manis's two-run home run in the top of the eighth broke a scoreless tie as West Florida earned a 4-1, eight inning win over Central Missouri State on Monday at the UWF Softball Complex. West Florida ends their six-game losing streak, and improves to 7-8. Central Missouri falls to 8-5.
Both Argonaut starter Jennifer Buckley, and Jennies starter Lauren Young tossed seven scoreless innings. West Florida loaded the bases with one out in the top of the third inning, but the Argonauts were unable to score. Central Missouri had runners at second and third and one out in the fourth inning. Megan Bax missed a bunt attempt, and Argonaut catcher Kathryn Sheppard picked off Rachel Adams, who strayed too far off of third base. Bax grounded out to end the inning.
The international tiebreak rule was instituted at the start of the top of the eighth inning as Moira Gustin was placed at second. With one out, Manis delivered her first home run of the season to give the Argonauts a 2-0 lead. With runners at first and second and two outs, Sheppard added an RBI double. Heather Bell finished the Argonaut scoring by crossing home plate after a wild pitch. Megan Hollanbach scored on a wild pitch for the Jennies in the bottom of the eighth inning, but Buckley induced pinch hitter Miranda Myer into a ground out to end the game.
Buckley (2-2) struck out nine in eight innings pitched. She has struck out 26 over the last three games. She limited Central Missouri to one run on three hits. Young (2-3) suffered the loss after allowing four runs on eight hits, while walking four and striking out eight.
The Argonauts will be off for a week before returning to the diamond. West Florida will host Lindsey Wilson and Wisconsin-Oshkosh on Mon., Mar. 13. The first game begins at 11 a.m.
