Friday, February 18, 2011

BYU edges Boise State at Desert Classic

Yet another score brought to you first in the Boise Valley on this blog--

BYU may be #16, but the difference between the Cougars and Boise State was one run. The Cougar sports information department was quick to point out that Boise State came into the game averaging 1.25 runs per game.

I've found out over the years that once you point out a flaw in your opponent, it comes back to bite you. The nationally-ranked BYU team was fortunate to win this afternoon's game, squeaking by the Broncos 12-11.

The game was a hard-fought contest thoughout. BYU was ahead 6-5 in the fifth and appeared to put the game out of reach with a six-run sixth. Junior Stacie Graham sent a blast into the gap that scored Delaney Willard and Madisen Robb. JC Clayton's single plated Graham. After Tiffany Messerschmit reached safely on a bunt, Kristin Delahoussaye sent a shot over the left field fence for a three-run homer.

But Coach Erin Thorpe's team battled back. Pitcher Allie Crump launched a one-out single to begin the rally and Ashley Collier pinch-ran for Crump. Tazz Weatherly came through with a single and Megan Harvey was hit by a pitch to load the bases. Jessica Kraft came in to run for Harvey. Kelly Sweeney hit a shot up that the BYU pitcher had trouble with and a run scored. All three Bronco baserunners moved up on a wild pitch with Weatherly scoring the second run of the inning. Devon Bridges reached on an error to load the bases but Mackenzie Whyte struck out. Batting with two out, Holly Bourke singled down the left-field line, advancing to second on the throw as Sweeney and Kraft both scored. Kellie Caplan came through with a single to score Bridges and Vanessa Alvarez followed with a single to knock in Bourke. It took three Cougar pitchers to finally put out the fire, as finally a fly ball ended the inning.

Delahoussaye was 4-5 with two doubles, the three-run homer, five RBI's and two runs. Jessica Fitu added a homer and a double in a 3-5 afternoon for BYU.

Caplan was 3-5 with three RBI's while Crump was 3-4 including a home run. Weatherly contributed to the Bronco hitting attack by going 2-4.

Boise State takes on another ranked team tonight in #3 Tennessee. Tomorrow, the Broncos meet Cal Poly and Long Beach and then battle Oregon Sunday.

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