Memphis Tops East Carolina 8-2 In American Athletic Conference Opener

MEMPHIS, Tenn. – Memphis pounded out 12 hits and scored in all but one inning Friday night to post an 8-2 victory over East Carolina in the American Athletic Conference softball opener for both teams at the Tigers Softball Complex.

Team Records: East Carolina: (16-15, 0-1 AAC) | Memphis: (16-12, 1-0 AAC)

The Rundown

Sophomore utility player Morgan Halo recorded two of ECU’s four hits while also driving in a run. Senior outfielder Ali Ramirez also notched a RBI on a run-scoring single in the top of the first inning. Regan Hadley turned in a 4-for-4 performance for the Tigers, also tallying two RBI and a run scored. Lindsay Crowdus produced three hits and scored a pair of runs.

Sophomore RHP Mary Williams (4-9) surrendered four runs (three earned) on one hit while walking three and fanning two in the loss. Molly Smith (6-5) tossed a complete game for Memphis, allowing two runs (one earned) on four hits with two walks and two strikeouts.

The Decisive Inning

After the Pirates tied the game at two in the top of the fourth, the Tigers broke through with two runs without the benefit of a base hit in the home half to take the lead for good. Memphis took advantage of two walks and an ECU error to pull ahead 4-2 before sealing the game with a three spot in the bottom of the fifth.

Statistics of the Game

The Tigers put five of their six leadoff batters on base and were 4-for-8 with runners in scoring position.

Up Next

The series continues Saturday, weather pending, with a 2 p.m. EDT first pitch.