Watkins' Grand Slam Lifts Iowa

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March 4, 2011

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Fullerton, Calif. — The University of Iowa softball team used a five run third inning to top Cal State Fullerton, 5-1, in its second game of the DeMarini Invitational Friday night at Anderson Family Field.

“This was a good effort all the way around,” said UI head coach Marla Looper. “We did a nice job hopping on them in the third inning, we strung some hits together and Liz came up and did a nice job putting the bat on the ball and driving it over the fence in right field.”

Sophomore Ashley Akers led off the third inning with a bunt single before stealing second base to move into scoring position. Senior Chelsey Carmody then knocked in Akers with a double into the left centerfield gap to extend her hitting streak to 14 games and put the Hawkeyes on the board.

Junior Katie Keim followed with a single up the middle, moving Carmody to third base. After a Jenny Schuelke walk loaded the bases, Liz Watkins connected on a grand slam to right field to give the Hawkeyes the 5-0 lead. The home run was Watkins’ team-leading third long ball of the season.

Cal State Fullerton got one run back in the bottom of the fourth inning, but that is all it could muster against Iowa starter Chelsea Lyon.

The Oklahoma native was strong in the complete game victory for the Hawkeyes, scattering five hits and striking out four Titan batters. The victory improves Lyon’s record to 3-4 on the year.

“Chelsea gave up a couple of doubles in the game, but she really beared down and shut them down,” said Looper. “She did a good job of letting our defense work behind her.”

Carmody and fellow senior Stephanie Ochoa paced the team at the plate, as both players notched multi-hit games.

Iowa (8-6) returns to action tomorrow, facing No. 10/11 California at 11 a.m. (CT) and IPFW at 3:30 p.m. (CT).