NASHVILLE, Tenn. (July 11, 2010) _ A three-run blast by Melissa Roth in the fifth inning was the big hit of the day at the USSSA Pride beat the Tennessee Diamonds 7-0
The Diamonds ended a two-game winning streak with the loss Sunday afternoon, but still managed to win the series 3-2, the first time they have won a series this season. Despite the heat 206 fans were on hand at Draper Diamond on the campus of Lipscomb University.
The Pride scored two runs in the fourth, three runs in the fifth and two in the sixth.
In the fourth the Pride capitalized on an infield single by Megan Willis coupled with a throwing error to first base by pitcher Becca Heteniak. Tonya Callahan, who had singled with one out, and Amber Flores, who walked, both scored on the play.
Roth’s home run accounted for all three runs in the fifth. Lauren Lappin walked to start off the inning and Caitlin Lowe was hit by a pitch to set the stage for the homer.
In the sixth a single through the right side by Caitlin Lowe drove in two runs for the Pride. Flores led off the inning with a double to left. Willis reached on an infield hit to the shortstop. Charlotte Morgan entered the game as a pinch-hitter and walked. Flores and Willis scored on the single by Lowe.
Right-hander Sarah Pauley, 6-2, threw a complete game for the Pride. She gave up five hits, walked three and struck out six.
Heteniak, 0-2, pitched four innings for the Diamonds. She allowed three hits and four runs, two earned. She walked three and struck out two.
Right-hander Kristen Erb relieved Heteniak in the fifth. In 1.1 innings she scatted four hits and gave up three runs. She walked one and struck out run. Right-hander Samantha Sheeley closed out the game. She gave up one hit in 1.2 innings.
The Diamonds will take a couple of days off and resume play at home Wednesday night at 4 when the Chicago Bandits, led by Jenny Finch, visit Draper Diamond for a doubleheader.
DIAMOND GEMS: Flores double was her first of the season. …Roth hit her first home run of the season. …Lowe and Willis both had two hits for the Pride. …Megan Gibson led the Diamonds with two hits.
