Series Slips Away Lady'Backs Fall to LSU

BATON ROUGE, La.-In the series deciding game, the University of Arkansas softball team (14-30, 1-16) recorded six hits but it wasn’t enough as Louisiana State (20-14, 4-11) defeated the Lady Razorbacks 6-4, Thursday, April 7, in Baton Rouge, La.

LSU didn’t waste any time starting the game as the Tigers scored two runs on one hit and two walks in the bottom of the first inning to take a 2-0 lead.

Arkansas head coach Jamie Pinkerton said even though the Lady’Backs didn’t win the series he sees improvement in his squad.

“This is the best series we’ve had at the plate,” Pinkerton said. “It’s a shame that we lost this series when we had a lead in all three games.”

The Lady’Backs tied the game at 2-2 in the top of the third inning on junior catcher Shana Easley’s two-RBI double. After junior center fielder Mindy O’Malley and sophomore second baseman Kallie Foglesong reached on fielder’s choices, Easley hit her fifth double of the season.

Arkansas continued its offense in the fourth inning to lead the Tiger 4-2. O’Malley highlighted the Lady’Back rally with a two-RBI, off-the-right field wall triple. O’Malley scored freshman pinch runner Heather Rankin and sophomore right fielder Rachel LeMaster.

Rankin ran for junior designated player Barbara-Jean Southmayd, who drew a leadoff walk. LeMaster also walked and then recorded her 15th stolen base of the season.

LSU added one run on two hits to pull with a run 4-3. The Lady’Back defense saved the tying run from scoring after LeMaster threw out freshman shortstop Andrea Smith at third base after she tried to advance from first.

Freshman pitcher Katy Henry started the game and threw four innings while only allowing four hits. Sophomore pitcher Sarah Topham recorded the loss (1-3) as she gave up the home run in relief.

The Tigers took a 6-4 lead when sophomore catcher Kristen Hobbs hit a two-out, three-run home run over the left field wall.

For more information on Arkansas softball, log on to www.ladybacks.com.