March 9, 2008

MEMPHIS, Tenn. – In a weather-shortened weekend that featured just two of four regularly scheduled games, Millsaps split a doubleheader with SCAC-foe Rhodes College, winning the opening game 6-3 before falling 5-0 in the second game behind a three-hit shutout.

The Majors picked up the win in game one behind an eight-hit offensive performance and a complete game from pitcher Kasey Thibodeaux (2-2). Second baseman Sam Hill led the Majors at the plate, going 2-for-4 with a double and two RBIs. Catcher Amanda Berry also notched two hits and leftfielder Katherine Nicholas went 1-for-2 with a home run and two runs scored.

The Lynx took an early 1-0 lead, plating a single run in the bottom of the first. Nicholas, however, evened things up in the top of the third, blasting her first career homer and the team's first round-tripper.

Millsaps took the lead for good in the top of the fifth, when Hill ripped a two-run double and came home on an RBI-single by third-baseman Jennifer McKinley. The Majors blew it open with a pair of runs in the sixth, aided by two Lynx errors.

Rhodes tried to rally, scoring a pair of runs in the bottom of the sixth, but Thiobodeaux sat the Lynx down in order in the seventh to notch her fourth complete-game of the season. The sophomore surrendered just four hits and three runs (two earned), while striking out six.

The Majors could not pull off the sweep, however, as Rhodes pitcher Dana Bartolomei (2-0) fired a complete-game two-hit shutout, striking out 10.

Rhodes did all of their damage early off of Millsaps starter Brittney McAllister (1-4), scoring a single run in the first on an RBI-double by Bartolomei, before scoring four in the second to open up a 5-0 lead.

Millsaps had its opportunities, thanks to seven walks by Bartolomei, but could not manage a run. The Majors loaded the bases in the third, after Tiffany Ladnier singled between walks to Morgan Lander and McKinley but a force out ended the threat.

McAllister allowed five runs and five hits in three innings of work. Freshman Laura Litton was outstanding in relief, throwing three innings of shutout ball.

Ladnier and McKinley recorded the only base hits for Millsaps.

The Majors will return home next weekend to host the 14-team Millsaps College Softball Classic at Freedom Ridge Park in Ridgeland.