LAKELAND, Fla. – Natalie Heeley drove in the game-winning run in the top of the seventh to push the top-ranked Barry University softball team (36-2, 13-0 SSC) to a 1-0 win over the Florida Southern Moccasins (24-12, 5-11 SSC) in Sunshine State Conference action on Saturday afternoon.
The Buccaneers stretched their current win streak to 35 consecutive games behind southpaw pitcher Amber Jack (22-0) who tossed a two-hit shutout and struck out five to remain unbeaten this season. Florida Southern’s Brittany Minton (14-8) struck out nine and carried a no-hitter into the sixth inning, but suffered the Moccasin loss after giving up two Buccaneer hits and a run in the seventh inning.
Both teams were even with two hits and an error after Ashley Likens recorded a leadoff single in the seventh. But after back-to-back outs, Heely looped the game-winning double down the right field line to lift Barry in the win.
Michelle Tatlock led all hitters with two hits recording a double and a triple to account for all of Florida Southern’s hits. Brittany Anderson, Likens and Heeley each had hits, while Heeley added the game-winning RBI.
Both teams will return to action on Sunday, Apr. 13 at 12 noon. The games were originally scheduled to be played at 1 pm, but were moved up in an effort to complete the series ahead of possible inclement weather.
(04/12/2008 at Lakeland, Fla.)
Barry 1, Florida Southern 0
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Barry............... 000 000 1 - 1 3 1 (36-2, 13-0 SSC)
Florida Southern.... 000 000 0 - 0 2 1 (24-12, 5-11 SSC)
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Pitchers: Barry - Amber Jack. Florida Southern - Brittany Minton.
Win-Amber Jack(22-0) Loss-Brittany Minton(14-8) T-1:34 A-145