Friday, February 17, 2006

(February 17, 2006) - Behind an outstanding pitching performance from Samantha Hurst and Jessica Sesson's triple in the top of the eighth inning, Tennessee State rallied back to defeat East Tennessee State in extra innings, 5-2, in game two of the 2006 Bulldog Classic.

ETSU took a 2-0 lead in the bottom of the fifth inning with a two-run RBI double from Briana Knight (Brier, Wash.). In the top of the seventh, TSU fought back to tie the game when pinch runner Amanda Buhler scored on a Heather Ebersole single to right field and Nira Robbins later came around to tie the game at 2-2.

After shutting out the Bucs in the top of the eighth, Tennessee State took their first lead of the game on its way to claiming the win. With Emily Samana placed on second, Sesson's triple gave the Tigers the lead and runners in scoring position. After Hurst reached on a fielder's choice, she and Sesson both came around to score to give TSU the 5-2 win.

Hurst (1-0) pitched seven innings, surrendering seven hits with four strikeouts and one walk. Lauren Weber recorded her first save of the season, pitching the eighth inning for TSU.  Courtney Jenkins (Knoxville, Tenn.) took the loss for the Lady Bucs, dropping to 0-1 on the season.  Stephanie Gaynord (Manassas, Va.) had the hot bat in the loss, going 3-for-4 at the plate

The Lady Bucs suffered their second setback on the day, falling to host Mississippi State, 9-1, in six innings.  ETSU was only able to manage five hits on the game, well MSU slammed 11.

ETSU was also forced to use three pitchers in an attempt to tame the Bulldogs bats, with Brittney Lehrschall (Leland, N.C.) taking the loss in 5.1 innings of work.  The sophomore dips to 1-1 on the season. 

They will be no rest for the weary, however, as the Lady Bucs hit the diamond again tomorrow with a game against Southern Illinois, as well as a rematch against Mississippi State.  The Southern Illinois matchup begins at 10 a.m. CST, while the first pitch against MSU is set for 4 p.m. CST.