Offense lifts Rebels to win over Memphis
Published 12:01 pm Wednesday, March 23, 2016
MEMPHIS — Ole Miss softball extended its school record non-conference win streak to 15 games Tuesday in a 7-3 win over Memphis at the Tiger Softball Complex.
The Rebel (25-7) offense found its pace again after crushing out 10 hits, the 11th time this season totaling double-digit hits. After starting the game off sluggish at the plate despite two runs in the opening frame, the Rebels went the final four innings without a strikeout after four in the first three innings combined.
Sophomore Elisha Jahnke continued her strong debut season moving to 6-3 on the year tossing all but one inning, striking out three and allowing just two earned runs off five hits. Freshman Krista Jacobs worked the final frame in the circle and allowed one run off three hits.
Elantra Cox led the way for the Rebels tying her career high in hits with three after a 3-for-4 day at the plate with two runs scored. Courtney Syrett also saw the ball well and went 2-for-3 at the dish with two RBI and one run scored. Natalie Martinez added a pinch-hit RBI single, while Grayce Majam had one RBI and Alex Schneider had two off a double.
Taking control
Cox began the contest with a leadoff single and moved to second on a sacrifice bunt from Hailey Lunderman. After going to third on a wild pitch, she scored on a popup lost on the infield due to strong winds in what was an RBI single for Syrett. A throwing error later scored Miranda Strother, who earlier reached on a hit by pitch.
The Tigers responded though with a two-RBI single down the right field line two innings later, tying the contest at 2-2.
But, the next half inning, the Rebels fought back with a three-run frame. Syrett started it all off with a single through the left side and moved to second on an illegal pitch. After going to third on a throwing error down to second, she crossed home on a Majam single through the right side to give the Rebels a 3-2 advantage. Schneider then followed with her one hit of the night, a double over the head of the left fielder, scoring Ashton Lampton and Majam.