Bulldogs Charm Lady Mocs In Nightcap To Complete Sweep, 2-1
May 25, 2016 | Softball
Maroons Run All-Time Record Against Chattanooga To Perfect 7-0
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. -- Jennifer Waterman's routine grounder with two outs in the top of the sixth took a Mississippi State hop over Chattanooga shortstop Bryn Favor and rolled through the gap in right centerfield to allow a pair of runs to score and give the Bulldogs a 2-1 victory and the doubleheader sweep Tuesday evening in college softball action at Jim Frost Stadium in Chattanooga, Tenn.
Waterman proved to be the hero in the second game of the twinbill, driving in the pair of runs on a 1-for-2 showing at the plate and paced just three MSU (20-13) hitters with base hits. Despite scoring the gamewinning run, Iyhia McMichael had her season-long hit streak snapped at nine games after a 0-for-2 showing at the plate that included an intentional walk. Teri Herbert turned in a pair of hits on three trips to the plate while also driving in UTC's only run to pace the Lady Mocs (19-16) offense.
Mississippi State starter Melissa Massey (8-5) broke out of her two-game funk to pitch brilliantly for the Bulldogs, scattering six hits and striking out five over her ninth complete game of the campaign. Lacy Swarthout, who was tagged with four runs and seven hits in the twinbill opener, got off a little easier in her second outing of the day. Swarthout (12-11) took the loss in the nightcap despite surrendering no earned runs on three hits and a trio of strikeouts.
"The big key for us was that Melissa Massey pitched well," said Mississippi State head coach Jay Miller. "She hadn't pitched very well the last couple of games, but I thought she came out and did a good job for us today. We got some great at-bats at the plate in the first game, but I didn't think we came out and executed very well in the second. But, anytime you get two wins, it is a big step."
Engaged in a pitching duel through the first four-plus innings of play, Chattanooga used its short game to plate a run with two outs in the bottom half of the fifth which culminated with Herbert's bloop single scoring Grace Picket from second base for the 1-0 lead.
However, Mississippi State used an errant throw to get its leadoff batter, Hayle Guess on in the top of the sixth, then moved the Moss Point native into scoring position on Meagan O'Nan's sac bunt. The Lady Mocs appeared to get out of trouble after inducing Kate Jaspers to pop out to third base and intentionally walking McMichael, but it just set the stage for Waterman's dramatics.
Mississippi State will return to action this weekend when the Bulldogs return home to take on nationally ranked Tennessee in a three-game series at the Mississippi State Softball Field. Game time of Saturday's series-opening doubleheader with the Lady Vols has been slated with a noon start time, while Sunday's series finale is set for a 12:30 p.m. first pitch. Admission to all 2004 Mississippi State Softball home games is free.
MISSISSIPPI STATE 2, CHATTANOOGA 1
Mississippi State 000 002 0 - 2 3 0Chattanooga 000 010 0 - 1 6 1
Massey and Brown. Whittier and Johnson. W * Massey (8-5). L * Swarthout (12-11). Save * None.
