Cloer Hits Three-Run Home Run at Centenary

SHREVEPORT, La., – University of Arkansas freshman catcher Whitney Cloer record her first career home run against Centenary, Friday, Feb. 17, in the Centenary College Classic in Shreveport, La.

Despite Cloer’s big hit, the Ladies came back to defeat the Lady Razorbacks, 6-4. In Arkansas’ first game of the tournament, UAB won 9-1.

Against Centenary, Cloer’s three-run home run gave Arkansas a 3-0 lead in the top of the first inning but Centenary answered with six runs on six hits including three home runs in the bottom of the second inning to lead 6-3.

Junior pitcher Sarah Topham replaced sophomore Katy Henry in the second inning. Topham allowed only two hits in four and one-third inning.

The Lady’Backs attempted a comeback in the seventh when they scored one run on a Cloer sacrifice fly. Cloer logged all four of the team’s RBIs.

Arkansas softball head coach Jamie Pinkerton said he very pleased with Cloer’s performance but was unhappy with the Lady’Backs letdown.

“Once again another big inning killed us,” he said. “I’m really proud of Whitney Cloer and Mindy O’Malley had good game. But when we score four runs, the pitching has to hold up.”

In the first game, the Blazers scored three runs on three hits and two walks in the top of the third inning to break a 1-1 tie.

UAB continued the offensive charge as it recorded five runs in the fourth inning on three hits and two Lady’Back errors. Arkansas allowed 10 hits while only tallying two of its own.

Senior Blaire Perry (1-2) started the game and threw three innings with four strikeouts before junior Kayce Odle relieved her in the fourth inning.

Pinkerton said the Lady’Backs failure to execute the game plan led to its first defeat in the second tournament of the season.

“We did not do the three things we talked about; limiting the walks, avoiding the big inning and making adjustments at the plate,” he said. “We’ve got to stop the big inning.”

For more information on Arkansas softball, log on to LADYBACKS.COM.