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Kansas City
SIU-Edwardsville
?Roos Fall 4-2 to SIUE in Blues City Classic Opener
2/22/2013 5:15:00 PM | Softball
(Southaven, Miss.) - Friday afternoon, the Kansas City Kangaroos (3-7) dropped its opening game of the Blues City Classic, hosted by the Memphis Tigers, with a 4-2 loss to the SIU-Edwardsville Cougars (6-3).
In the first, no score, the Kangaroos got off to a fast start, sparked by a Liz Broyles triple to right-center as she would later score after infielder Marlee Maples grounded out to first. Next up, Katie Kelley (3) hit a solo shot off pitcher Haley Chambers (3-1) to make it a 2-0 ball game. Later in the inning, after a double by designated hitter Caitlin Christopher, catcher Alexandra Friloux went down swinging to end the inning.
During the fourth, same score, Christopher led off the inning with a single to left. Although, Kansas City could not increase its lead as the Cougars retired the next two batters, followed by pinch runner Bri Wyatt getting caught stealing at third.
Later in the inning, SIUE seized the momentum, beginning with a lead-off double by infielder Rachel Coonrod off starting pitcher Cinda Ramos (0-3). After a walk by Ramos and the Kangaroos recording their first out of the inning, infielder Taylor Tooley RBI-singled to left and later advanced to second to cut the deficit in half.
Two batters later with the bases now loaded and two outs, infielder Chelsea Yankolovich singled to center as all three runners scored after an error by the Kangaroos to give SIUE a 4-2 lead.
In the sixth with two outs, same score, Kelley came through with a single to center for her second hit of the afternoon. However, Kansas City could not cut chip away at SIUE's lead as Christopher grounded out to third to end the inning.
In hopes of a seventh inning rally, the Cougars retired UMKC in order to end the game.
At the plate, Kelley and Christopher went 2-for-3 on the day, while Broyles and outfielder Kelsey Dean tallied a hit each. In the circle, Ramos allowed six hits and three earned runs to go along with three walks surrendered and one strikeout.
Coming up tomorrow, the Blue & Gold will take on Indiana State (11 a.m.) and Belmont (6:30 p.m.) in day two of the Blues City Classic.
