Feb. 15, 2002
Box Score
Raleigh, N.C. -
In their two losses last weekend, Illinois did not capitalized on the runners they had on base. Today they put everything their offense together in the Triangle Classic by defeating Radford, 9-1, in six innings, and Temple, 12-0, in five, at the Walnut Creek Softball Complex in Raleigh, N.C. The Fighting Illini are 5-2 on the year.
"I think today was the best offensive day yet for this team," said head coach Terri Sullivan. "We executed in a lot of situations and attacked early. I think we are maturing at the plate and at seeing the ball. We got after their pitchers early and didn't let them get into a rhythm. Our pitchers pitched well for us today."
A very successful Illinois fourth inning led to the 9-1 five-inning romp of the Radford Highlanders in the first pool game of the Triangle Classic.
Sherri Taylor (2-1) started the game for the Illini. Taylor struck out three of the first six batters and ended the game with five Ks, allowing one hit. Brandy Winstead (0-1) took the loss for Radford.
In the bottom of the third, catcher Janna Sartini singled. Elene Planinsek pinch ran for Sartini and advanced to second on a Katie O'Connell bunt. Sarah Baumgartner's sacrifice bunt advanced the runners. Designate player Jami Bradley singled to score Planinsek and advance O'Connell. Bradley stole second then advanced to third on a passed ball while O'Connell scored.
Radford got on the board in the top of the fourth. Ashley Smith knocked a triple to the right field fence and scored on a Taylor wild pitch.
The Illini batted the entire order in the fourth. LeeAnn Butcher reached on an error by the third baseman and stole second. Shortstop Lindsey Hamma doubled to left center, bringing in Butcher. Erin Jones grounded out to second while advancing Hamma. Sartini doubled into right, scoring Hamma. After Radford changed pitchers, Sartini made it to third on a wild pitch. Baumgartner got on base after being hit by a pitch. After stealing second, Baumgartner advanced to third and Sartini scored on a Bradley single. Kristie Sauter sent a three-run shot over the right field fence.
Radford went three and out to start off the fifth inning. In the bottom of the fifth, Hamma reached on an error by the first baseman and advanced to second on an error on the throw. Hamma stole third and brought in the final run when Jones reached on a fielder's choice.
In game two, the Illini continued where they had left off against Radford. Illinois only needed five innings to make quick work of Temple, 12-0. Temple looked to score early as two Owls reached base on Illini throwing errors. Amanda Fortune (2-1) struck out two while Sartini threw out Alexis Pena while trying to steal second.
Hamma lead off with a walk and advanced to second off a Jones single. Hamma and Jones stole their next base and Sartini was walked. Hamma scored off a Liz Naughton balk. With Sartini and Jones on second and third, O'Connell launched a three-run shot over the left field fence. O'Connell went 2 for 3 with the homer and five RBIs
After scoring four in the first, the team added two more in the second. Hamma lead off again with a single up the middle. Jones, who hit 2 for 3, scored twice and drove in a run, advanced Hamma on her single. Sartini hit a sacrifice fly to right center, bringing around Hamma. O'Connell popped up to center, scoring Jones.
The assault on the Owls continued in the third. The Illini greeted new pitcher Kim Watkins and allowed her to give up six runs. Watkins first walked Bradley and Keri Lockett entered as a pinch runner. Lockett moved to third on a Sauter double. Alicia Hammel singled, bringing Lockett home. Hammel stole second and Butcher got on board with a bunt. The runners advanced a base after Watkins threw a wild pitch. Jones grounded out to second while bringing in Hammel. O'Connell drove in her fifth run of the game when she singled to right. Baumgartner's single brought in Sartini, who got on base with a walk. Baumgartner stole second and O'Connell scored from third off the catcher's throw to second.
The Illini defense was also tough, only allowing three hits in both games.
Illinois hopes to continue their offensive prowess and defensive toughness tomorrow as they enter bracket play. Illinois was ranked #1 in the Gold Bracket, the top bracket of the tournament. They play the winner of Long Island/Robert Morris game at 1 pm Eastern on Saturday. For the latest information on the Triangle Classic, visit tournament host North Carolina's website at www.tarheelblue.com.
