Tiger Tamers

The Sycamores ended their first weekend of play in 2010 on a high note with a 1-0 win over the host Memphis Tigers to finish 1-3 for the weekend. On Friday, the Sycamores lost a tight opening contest to Appalachian State by a 1-0 score. Senior pitcher Meagan McCurdy was solid for ISU, allowing 1 run on 4 hits while striking out 8 in 6 innings of work. ISU had a runner thrown out at the plate in the top of the 3rd of the scoreless contest, and Appalachian State managed a 2 out rally in the bottom of the 5th for their lone run.

In the second contest of the game, McNeese State defeated ISU by an 8-3 margin. Fr. Sara Evans made her first career pitching start for ISU and ran into some trouble in the first inning, as the Cowgirls put 5 runs up in the top of the 1st. Fr. Kristen Felker and So. Lindsey Beisser had nice relief outings for ISU, but there were unable to catch up with McNeese. The Sycamores pounded out 9 hits in the contest, but stranded 7 runners in the loss.

8 Freshmen or Sophomores were in the starting line-up in game 1 and 7 were in the line-up for game 2 for ISU.

Saturday, ISU opened up with a contest against SEMO, falling 6-3. Fr. Kristen Felker got her first pitching start, and ISU was able to give her a 3-0 lead after 1 inning. SEMO responded in the top of the 2nd, however, scoring 5 runs in the inning. Fr. Sara Evans came on in relief and provided a solid 5 1/3 innings of work for ISU. ISU had 7 hits in the contest and again stranded 7 runners.

In the final game of the weekend, Sr. Meagan McCurdy was again solid on the mound, this time getting the 1-0 win over Memphis. McCurdy allowed 5 hits in the complete game shut-out, and the Sycamores managed a run in the top of the 6th as So. Bailey Wittenauer drove in fellow So. Alyssa Doyle from 3rd with 2 outs. Doyle had doubled to lead off the inning. For her efforts, McCurdy was named to the Blues City Classic All Tournament Team. She is currently leading the MVC in ERA at 0.54 through her first two starts.

Offensively, Fr. Mackenzie Connelly is leading ISU (and the MVC) by hitting .556 (5-9). So. Alyssa Doyle is right behind her at .545 (6-11) with 2 doubles.

During the trip, the Sycamores stopped by the Peabody Hotel to watch the ducks make their daily trip down the red carpet and into the fountain. At the same time that ISU was in the lobby, Dwayne Wade and the rest of the Miami Heat were strolling through on their way to the bus to head over to the FedEx Forum to take on the Memphis Grizzlies - much to the excitement of the team. After the Peabody, it was across the street to Rendezvous for some great dining.

You can watch an archived video of the Indiana State - Memphis game for free through the Memphis web site.

GO SYCAMORES!