Texas Tech University Athletics
Texas Tech Athletics
Florida State
Tech Outlasts #17 Seminoles, 8-7 in nine innings
February 24, 2002 | Softball
Feb. 24, 2002
LAS CRUCES, N.M. - With one out in the bottom of the ninth, Britney Stolle belted a fastball to the warning track in dead center driving in Jana Baker as for the second time this weekend Tech downed Florida State in extra innings, 8-7, at the fifth game of the Troy Cox Classic in Las Cruces, N.M.
Tech (8-13) capitalized on three FSU errors and erased a 5-1 deficit by scoring three runs in the sixth and two in the seventh.
In the sixth, with two outs and the bases loaded Esmerelda Perez hit a ground ball that found its way through the Seminole shortstop's legs and all the way to the fence. The three-base error allowed the Red Raiders to close the gap to 5-4.
FSU (13-6) built its lead up to 6-4 by scoring a run the top of the seventh, but could not hold the lead.
The scarlet and black would tie the game in the home-half of the seventh as Kristi Robles who now has a nine game hitting streak singled through the left side of the infield. Robles was erased on a Carmen Grindell fielder's choice. Baker would ground a ball to the FSU shortstop who misplayed it again, putting runners on first and second.
A passed ball would allow Grindell to score. Stolle entered the game as a pinch hitter and delivered the first of her two big hits of the game, a single that scored Baker and tied the game.
The International Tie-Breaker Rule was put into place in the eighth.
The Seminoles would threaten in the eighth batting six, scoring one and leaving two runners on base.
Tech matched Florida State's run as Amanda Douglas singled and Rebecca walked to load the bases with one out. A third error on the shortstop allowed Eva Harshman to score tying the game at 7.
In the ninth FSU was retired in order setting the stage for Tech to complete the comeback.
Kristina Blair got her fourth win of the season and second of the tournament as Tech improved to 4-1 and advances to the Championship game of the 25th Annual Troy Cox Classic against tournament host New Mexico State.
