Texas A&M
Lehigh
Glasco Homers A&M Past Lehigh at Regionals
May 15, 2009 | Softball
May 15, 2009
GAINESVILLE, Fla. - Texas A&M senior Erin Glasco blasted a solo home run in the bottom of the first inning for the game-winning hit in a 1-0 victory over Lehigh on Friday afternoon in the first game of the NCAA Gainesville Regional.
From Johnston City, Ill., Glasco launched her fifth homer of the year over the center field wall on a two-out, full-count pitch. It was all the offense A&M (32-20) needed as freshman pitcher Rebecca Arbino held the Mountain Hawks (36-17-1) to just four hits and struck out six without a walk to earn her fifth shutout this season.
"The way we played defensively and in the circle really showed that we came prepared to play," said head coach Jo Evans. "Our team has a lot of respect for Lehigh; they knocked us out of the '06 Regional and we know they are coached well. Offensively, we didn't hit the ball quite as well as we had hoped to, but I tip my hat to Erin. To score in the first inning and get some momentum is always a huge help."
Glasco reached base again in the fourth after being hit by a pitch for the 20th time this season. A single to right by senior Holly Ridley advanced pinch runner Andrea Tovar into scoring position, but a two-out double steal attempt came up short as Tovar was thrown out sliding into third.
A thunderstorm blew through Gainesville prior to the start of the sixth inning suspending play for an hour and 12 minutes. Upon return to the field, A&M retired Lehigh in order in the top of the sixth for the third time in the game.
The Mountain Hawks tallied their fourth hit with one out in the top of the seventh, but Arbino fanned the next batter and forced a fly out for the final out of the game. She struck out a batter in every inning but one and only two Lehigh runners reached second base behind a stingy Aggie defense.
"Becca did a really good job to shut down their hitters," added Evans. "She was in total control and I never saw her look uncomfortable. For a freshman in her first postseason start, she did a really nice job."
The Aggies tallied four hits, including one each from Glasco, junior Macie Morrow, Ridley and junior Bailey Schroeder. The team moves on to play No. 1-seeded Florida (56-3) at noon tomorrow. The Gators defeated Florida A&M, 12-0, in five innings.
"We know Florida well," said Evans. "We faced them several times in the past couple years and we know what to expect. We have a target on our back and I know they are fired up to play us. We just need to be patient against Stacy Nelson and go out there tomorrow with great poise and great presence and let the game come to us."
For live stats and free live audio of Saturday's regional action, visit AggieAthletics.com.
