March 9, 2006
CLEARWATER, Fla. – Despite out-hitting Michigan State (9-3), 8-6, Georgia Tech (17-5) dropped a 3-2 decision to the Spartans in the opening game of the USF adidas Invitational on Thursday afternoon at the EC Moore Complex. Freshman Whitney Haller led Tech offensively, going 2-for-4, with a home run (10) and two runs batted in.
MSU snapped Tech’s 11-game winning streak. Sophomore Aileen Morales finished 2-for-4, with one stolen base. Freshman Lacey Richardson (3-2) took the loss, throwing 3.1 innings, allowing three runs and two earned runs.
The Yellow Jackets will face tournament host South Florida at 6 p.m. on Thursday.
The Yellow Jackets loaded the bases with one out in the top of the fourth inning on three singles by Haller, senior Amy Hosier and freshman Blair Shimandle, but failed to score. The Spartans responded in the bottom half with bases loaded and one out to force Richardson out of the circle. Sophomore Whitney Humphreys entered and MSU scored on the first pitch on a passed ball, and scored two more on fielder’s choice plays to take a 3-0 lead.
Haller put Tech on the board in the top of the fifth inning with a two-run home run with two outs, her 10th of the season, to bring the Jackets within one, 3-2.
With one out in the seventh inning, Morales singled up the middle and stole second base to give Tech a runner in scoring position. The Jackets were unable to score as MSU’s Rachel Turney went the distance, allowing seven hits and two runs.
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