Texas Tech University Athletics
Texas Tech Athletics
Mississippi Valley State
Custer Tosses Three-Hit Gem to Open McHaney Classic
March 13, 2015 | Softball
March 13, 2015
The shutout performance was the seventh of Custer's career as the right-hander allowed just three hits before Tech (13-14) scored four runs in the bottom of the fifth to secure its fourth run-rule victory already this season.
Mississippi Valley (5-17) connected on two of its three hits in the opening frame before Custer (7-8) settled down to retire nine of the next 10 hitters she faced. Custer finished with five strikeouts and just two walks.
The Red Raiders, meanwhile, got on the board early as Jordan Bettiol tripled to lead off the game and later scored off a Devon Thomey sacrifice fly. It marked the seventh time Tech had scored in the first inning this year.
Bettiol came across to score again in the fourth as she sent a RBI single through the right side that was misplayed in right field, allowing Bettiol to round the bases. She plated Brooke Scott, who like Bettiol, finished 2-for-3 at the plate.
Kierra Miles and Ashley Fultz both ended 3-for-3 while Lea Hopson went 2-for-3 overall. Miles and Fultz combined for Tech's only run in the third inning as the duo recorded back-to-back one-out doubles.
Miles and Hopson both connected on home runs in Tech's four-run fifth inning as Miles led off the frame with a solo shot while Hopson followed two batters later with a two-run blast to center field. Scott ended the game by scoring off a wild pitch.
Hopson's home run was her seventh of the season, matching her total from her 2014 junior season. She now needs two more dingers to tie Cydney Allen (2011-12) for 10th all-time in Tech history.
Mississippi Valley starter Haley Young took the loss for the Devilettes in a complete-game effort where she allowed all eight runs, seven of which that were earned, off 12 hits and two strikeouts.
The victory improved the Red Raiders to 23-1 all-time in the Jeannine McHaney Memorial Classic. Tech closes the first day of the tournament against Tulsa in a scheduled 5:30 p.m. first pitch.
