ADA, Okla. – The East Central University softball team wrapped up the 2023 regular season with a bang, coming back in the seventh inning with a go-ahead gram slam to win the series finale 4-3 and secure the series sweep against Arkansas-Monticello.
ECU finished the conference season 14-19, which currently sits seventh in the GAC standings.
The series finale was a pitcher's duel in the first three innings as both teams combined for just four hits, and no one could cross home plate.
However, the Cotton Blossoms changed that, earning the first run of the game in the bottom of the fourth before tacking on another in the fifth and sixth to build up a 3-0 lead heading into the final inning.
The Tigers had runners on the base paths in the second, fifth, and sixth innings but could not capitalize on the scoring opportunities until their final chance at a comeback.
In the top of the seventh,
Vanessa Tamayo led off with a single to left center,
Zoe Acosta hit one through the left side, and
Elyse LeClair reached first on an error by the shortstop to load the bases with
Megan Lesko up to bat. Then, with the first pitch thrown to her, Lesko blasted one over the left field wall for a grand slam that allowed the Tigers to take the lead and secure the 4-3 win in Arkansas.
Lauren HerrNeckar picked up the win in the circle, going 1.2 innings, allowing no runs on one hit, and striking out three.
Megan Lesko went 2-for-4 at the plate, while
Elyse LeClair,
Jami Watson,
Vanessa Tamayo, and
Zoe Acosta had one hit each.
The East Central University softball team will now prepare for the 2023 Great American Conference Softball Tournament in Bentonville, Arkansas starting Thursday, May 4
th. Stay tuned for more information about the tournament and the start time for the Tigers.
