Kansas City
Oakland
UMKC Tops Oakland on Senior Day to Sweep Series
4/29/2012 7:39:00 PM | Softball
(Kansas City, Mo.) - Sunday afternoon after a little over a three-hour rain delay, the UMKC softball team (22-27, 10-11 SL) shutout the Oakland Grizzlies (8-38, 5-19 SL) for the third-straight game to sweep the series on Senior Day, 3-0.
To start the game, pitcher Deanna Friese (11-14) retired out eight of her first 10 batters, while allowing one hit and striking out five through three innings of work.
In the third for UMKC, no score, catcher Danielle Bennefeld led off the inning with a single to right and would later steal second. Next up after outfielder Ashley Whiteside grounded out to short as Bennefeld moved to third, infielder Kaelene Curry singled through the right side to bring in Bennefeld for the first run of the afternoon.
Later in the inning with two on, same score, infielder Megan Ussary drove in Curry from second when she singled up the middle to make it a 2-0 ball game.
In the fifth with one out and nobody on, UMKC still leading 2-0, designated player Caitlin Christopher doubled to left. Next up after pinch runner Bri Wyatt replaced Christopher, Wyatt stole third, followed by Ussary grounding out to second to bring in Wyatt for the final run of the game.
In the seventh, Friese found herself in a jam after walking catcher Brittany Prior and allowing a single up the middle to pinch hitter Megan McQueen. But, the Kennesaw, Ga. native sealed the victory by striking out pitcher Brittany Doyle (5-17) and forcing infielder Erin Galloway to line out to Megan Vicino in center.
To finish out the game, Friese allowed four hits, walked two, and struck out eight for her second-straight shutout, fourth overall.
"Despite the weather not cooperating earlier, I could not have asked for a better way for our seniors to play on their special day," said head coach Meredith Smith.
"These seniors have laid the foundation for where this program is today and I could not be happier."
Up next for the Kangaroos will be a doubleheader contest at home as they will welcome the Wichita State Shockers on Wednesday at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.
