RUSTON, La. — The University of Hawai‘i softball team (29-12, 7-4 WAC) shut out Louisiana State (11-30, 2-8 WAC), 6-0 in the series opener at the Lady Techster Softball Complex on Friday night, states a release from the UH athletic
RUSTON, La. — The University of Hawai‘i softball team (29-12, 7-4 WAC) shut out Louisiana State (11-30, 2-8 WAC), 6-0 in the series opener at the Lady Techster Softball Complex on Friday night, states a release from the UH athletic department.
Starting pitcher Stephanie Ricketts fired a one-hit shutout while right fielder Jenna Rodriguez put the game away with a two-run home run in the seventh in front of a crowd of 300.
Ricketts (18-9, 5-2 WAC) fired her 24th complete game and eighth shutout of the season. She allowed one hit through the left side of the infield in the first inning, then proceeded to retire the next 13 batters in a row before a fielding error snapped her streak to open the sixth inning. Ricketts then ended the game getting the next six batters out. She did not walk any Lady Techsters, struck out six and faced just 23 batters. In her career, Ricketts has now tossed 80 complete games with 22 shutouts.
The ‘Bows jumped out to a quick 3-0 lead in the top of the first. Kelly Majam led the game off with a walk and Jasey Jensen was hit by a pitch to put runners at first and second with no outs. After a foul pop-up to first, Sharla Kliebenstein also drew a walk to load the bases. Sarah Robinson then hit a fielder’s choice ground ball to the shortstop. On the play, the shortstop’s throw was wild allowing both Majam and Jensen to score as the ball ricocheted off the brick backstop. Jenna Rodriguez then hit a slow roller to second to score Kliebenstein easily from third.
In the third inning, Hawai‘i struck again, posting a single run to give the ‘Bows a 4-0 lead. Jessica Iwata drilled a double down the right field line and later scored on an opposite-field RBI single by Rodriguez to right.
The ‘Bows added two runs in the top of the seventh on a two-out, two-run home run into the teeth of the wind by Rodriguez. It marked her third homer of the season and 20th of her career.
Louisiana Tech starter Meghan Krieg (7-18, 2-6 WAC) also tossed a complete game, giving up six runs (three earned) on eight hits with four walks and 10 strikeouts.
Three Rainbow Wahine had multiple hits in the game, led by Rodriguez who went 2 for 4 with a home run and a season-high four RBIs. Iwata also went 2 for 4 with a double and a run scored and Alex Aguirre went 2 for 3 with a pair of singles.
The two teams conclude the three-game series today with a doubleheader starting at 1 p.m. local time (8 a.m. HT).
‘Bows knock off La. Tech in pitchers’ duel
HONOLULU – The University of Hawai‘i baseball team remained perfect in the WAC, topping Louisiana Tech Friday in their series-opener, 1-0.
Matt Sisto (3-4) tossed six shutout innings for the win, as the Rainbows improved to 5-0 in conference and 19-14 overall. Louisiana Tech falls to 2-3 and 17-16.
Pi’ikea Kitamura led the Rainbows at the plate, going 3 for 3 and scoring the game’s lone run. A Michael Blake single drove Kitamura home from third. Breland Almadova added two hits.
Sisto allowed no earned runs in his second straight outing. Randy Yard and Blair Walters each pitched an inning of relief, and Lenny Linsky picked up his sixth save with a scoreless ninth inning.
Trevor Peterson (3-2) received the loss for the Bulldogs, pitching seven innings, allowing one run on seven hits. Austin Hedges and Clint Ewing each had two hits for Louisiana Tech.
The Rainbows and Bulldogs continue their series tonight. First pitch is set for 6:35 p.m.
