Liberty scratches out victory

Liberty's softball team is still waiting for its first hit in Southeast League play.

But thanks to a determined at-bat by Diana Cassaro, a fantastic relay throw and a little good fortune, the Patriots already have a league victory in their pocket.

The Patriots struck out 16 times and didn't get a hit off Tech sophomore Amanda Roark, but they squeaked out a 1-0 road victory to improve to 9-0 and 1-0 in the Southeast.

"We were able to take advantage of a couple of mistakes," Liberty coach Kris Jensen said. "We chased the riseball all day, and we started second-guessing our pitch selection. Tech is the type of team that if you don't put the ball in play enough, they are going to beat you."

Cassaro had the pivotal at-bat of the game in the seventh inning. With two outs and Carson Cooper on first base after drawing a one-out walk, Cassaro faced a 1-2 count before fouling off three consecutive pitches to stay alive.

The seventh pitch was wild, allowing Cooper to advance to second. Cassaro then smashed a one-hopper to third base that deflected into short left field, allowing Cooper to score.

"I just didn't want to strike out," Cassaro said. "I think it was inside, but, honestly, I just hit the ball."

Tech (6-3, 0-1) threatened in the bottom of the inning when Jessica Roark hit a sinking fly ball that skipped past Liberty's right fielder. Backing up the play, center fielder Rhiannon Beck fired the ball to shortstop Megan Patras, who relayed to Francesca Foti in time to nip Roark at third base.

"That was so exciting to see," Jensen said. "Our girl came all the way from center to get that ball, and Megan made a great relay throw."

Patriots pitcher Breanna English, who tossed a seven-hitter with five strikeouts, got the next batter to fly out to end the game.

English struck out five and stranded eight Roadrunners on base.

Contact reporter Bartt Davis at bdavis@reviewjournal.com or 702-387-5230.