Kirk Throws One-Hitter As NT Splits Doubleheader With UTSA
Kirk and Strunk lead the way for North Texas
March 15, 2014
DENTON, Texas - In a two-game clash with another top Conference USA opponent, the Mean Green won on the back of a one-hitter by senior Ashley Kirk before suffering its first conference loss of the season in game two.
“I think when you get in conference play, every game is important,” head coach Tracy Kee said. “And though the first game went our way, we knew the importance of the second game and put ourselves in a position to take the series today, and we obviously didn’t do that.”
Kirk went the distance in game one and was one out away from her fourth career no-hitter before UTSA’s Jolene Graham singled to left field, breaking up the bid.
“God has a better plan, and he blessed me today,” Kirk said. “I am definitely pleased with what happened. I got a shut out and a win so can’t complain about that.”
Freshman Shelbie Smith launched her first home run of the season in game one as North Texas (18-8, 4-1) earned the 3-0 victory.
Junior Kat Strunk led the Mean Green offensive effort in game two with two home runs and four RBI, giving her five total on the day, but it wasn’t enough as North Texas fell short, 10-6.
UTSA (12-15, 4-1) led 5-4 as the game entered a 45-minute rain delay in the fifth inning. After play resumed, the Roadrunners tacked on five quick runs and put the game out of reach.
UTSA hit three home runs in the game.
“We’ve got our work cut out for us,” Kee said. “They proved today that they can handle our pitchers, and they put some good swings. We’ve got to do a better job of keeping the ball in the ballpark. I think offensively, if we don’t make adjustments soon, then we’ll get the same result we just got in the second game.”
The rubber game of the series takes place on Sunday, March 15, at 1 p.m. at Lovelace Stadium.
For more up-to-the-minute updates on Mean Green softball's weekend series with the Roadrunners, follow the official Twitter feed @MeanGreenSB.
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