Texas Tech Athletics
Akron
Akron Edges Texas Tech, 4-3, in Season Opener
February 07, 2014 | Softball
Feb. 7, 2014
HAMMOND, La. - Akron overcame an early three-run deficit with four runs over the fourth and fifth innings en route to edging Texas Tech, 4-3, in the season opener for both teams at Chappapeela Park.
The loss snapped a five-game winning streak for the Red Raiders (0-1) in season openers as Tech's last loss to open a season came in 2008. Tech was also a perfect 4-0 previously in season openers under head coach Shanon Hays.
The Red Raiders had a chance to bust the game open early, plating leadoff hitter Sydni Emanuel in the first before Akron (1-0) was even able to record an out. Emanuel scored off the first of two RBI from Kristi Belshe, who sent a single up the middle to score Emanuel from second.
Belshe added to Tech's lead again two innings later, driving a leadoff home run over the fence in right center. The junior college transfer ended the game with two of Tech's six total hits.
Tech added its final run later in the inning as Lea Hospon came across on a bases-loaded plunking of Britany Lee. Hopson, like Belshe, finished 2-for-4 at the plate in her debut as a Red Raider.
The Red Raiders stranded two runners to end the third, though, missing out on another opportunity to potentially break the game open. Tech also left two runners on base in the first inning as well.
The missed opportunities and free passes to Akron began to haunt Tech soon after with Akron rallying to take the lead the Red Raiders could not overcome. Tech issued four walks and hit another batter during the two innings alone.
Tech starter Cara Custer (0-1) was handed the loss after allowing all four runs off just two hits in 4.1 innings. She was relieved briefly by Gretchen Aucoin before Cassie McClure came on to toss the final1.2 innings, getting the Red Raiders out of a fifth-inning jam in the process.
All three of Tech's runs were charged to Akron starter Sara Pearson, who lasted two innings before giving way to MacKenzie Conrad early in the third inning.
Conrad (1-0) frustrated the Tech bats from there, allowing only a leadoff single to Hopson in the fifth while striking out four. She closed the game by retiring Tech in order in both the sixth and seventh innings.
The Red Raiders are currently facing Nicholls State in the second game of a doubleheader. They will continue the Lions Classic Saturday with against both Buffalo and UMKC.
