University of Houston
East Carolina
Cougars Down ECU, 6-4, to Clinch Series
4/22/2017 12:00:00 AM | Softball
HOUSTON -- The University of Houston Softball team picked up a 6-4 win over East Carolina to clinch the series, 2-0, on Saturday afternoon at Cougar Softball Stadium.
With the win, the Cougars improve to 22-20 overall and 7-4 in American Athletic Conference play, while the Pirates fall to 25-25 overall and 5-9 in league action.
Freshman Trystan Melancon (10-7) picked up her 10th win in the circle. The native of Tomball, Texas, issued four runs on five hits across five innings of work, recording seven strikeouts and three walks, before sophomore Presley Bell took over. Bell would work out of a seventh-inning jam to post two scoreless innings of relief and pick up her second save of the season as well as her overall career.
Houston taxed ECU for 13 hits as seven Cougars hit safely with five turning in multi-hit performances. Sophomore Maya Thomas led the way with a 3-for-4 effort, while teammates Kelli Montgomery (2-2), Savannah Heebner (2-4), Arielle James (2-4) and Shelby Miller (2-4) all registered two hits, respectively. Junior Kaylin Crumpton and redshirt sophomore Sarah Barker each recorded one hit.
Houston posted three extra-base hits. Heebner tripled down the right field line, while both Crumpton and Montgomery recorded a double.
KEY INNINGS
1st | Houston plated four runs in the bottom of the first inning. With one out, the Cougars rallied off four straight hits behind a Crumpton double, singles from James and Miller, and triple from Heebner to push three runs across. Sophomore Brooke Vannoy capped the scoring one batter later with a sacrifice fly for a 4-0 lead.
4th | The Cougars tacked on two more runs in the bottom of the fourth on an RBI single from Miller and fielder's choice off the bat of Vannoy to take a 6-0 advantage.
5th | ECU pulled within two runs via a grand slam in the top of the fifth en route to the 6-4 final.
HOUSTON NOTES
Top Offensive Players:
Maya Thomas | 3-4, R
Savannah Heebner | 2-4, 3B, 2 RBI, 2 R
Arielle James | 2-4, 2 RBI, 2 R
Shelby Miller | 2-4, R
Kelli Montgomery | 2-2, 2B
Kaylin Crumpton | 1-4, 2B, R
Sarah Barker | 1-3
Pitching Breakdown:
Trystan Melancon (W, 10-7) | 5.0 IP, 5 H, 4 R, 3 BB, 7 K
Presley Bell (SV, 2) | 2.0 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
ON DECK
The Cougars will go for the series sweep against ECU in a noon first pitch on Sunday.
STAY CONNECTED
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SHASTA PASS
The Houston Athletics Ticket Office is proud to offer the Shasta Pass for the 2016-17 athletic season. For only $80, Cougar fans can purchase one Shasta Pass, which allows season-long general admission entrance to all Houston Women's Basketball, Volleyball, Soccer and Softball home games.
The Shasta Pass offers Houston fans a substantial savings as single-game tickets start at $5 for all four sports. To purchase a Shasta Pass, CLICK HERE.
JOIN DIAMOND CLUB
Fans can help support the Houston Softball program by joining the Diamond Club. To find out more information about the Diamond Club, visit UHCougars.com or call Cougar Pride at (713) 743-GOUH. For more information, CLICK HERE.
