California Uses Big Inning to Down Hawkeyes

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March 5, 2011

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Fullerton, Calif. — The University of Iowa softball team led 2-0 after four and a half innings, but No. 10/11 California erupted for six runs in the bottom of the fifth inning to down the Hawkeyes, 6-2, at the DeMarini Invitational.

After going down in order in each of the first three innings, Iowa’s Chelsey Carmody notched the team’s first hit with a bunt single to leadoff the fourth. Following a pair outs, Carmody moved to second base when Liz Watkins was hit by a pitch, and she crossed the plate when Stephanie Ochoa reached on an error.

Iowa tacked on its second run an inning later to make the score 2-0. Ashley Akers reached on a one out single up the middle before stealing second base. Junior Katie Keim drove her home with an RBI single.

California got to Iowa starter Kayla Massey in the fifth inning, scoring all six of its runs with two outs. Victoria Jones delivered the big hit in the inning, as the first baseman hit a three-run triple. Jamia Reid then followed with a two-run home run, making the score 6-2 in the Golden Bears’ favor.

Akers paced the Hawkeyes at the plate, going 2-for-3 with a run scored. Carmody, Keim, Ochoa and Michelle Zoeller also registered hits in the contest. Carmody’s fourth inning single extended her hitting streak to 15 games.

Massey took the loss in the circle for Iowa, allowing six runs — all earned — in 4.2 innings pitched. The freshman struck out five California batters before being relieved by Chelsea Lyon.

The Golden Bears’ Jolene Henderson pitched a complete game to notch her 10th victory of the season. Henderson allowed six hits, while striking out 11 Iowa batters.

The Hawkeyes (8-7) return to action later this afternoon against IPFW beginning at 3:30 p.m. (CT).