University of Nevada Las Vegas
Robert Morris
2/20/2016 12:00:00 AM | Softball
LAS VEGAS (UNLVRebels.com) - UNLV softball defeated Robert Morris 8-3 after scoring six runs in the first two innings on Saturday afternoon in the DeMarini Desert Classic at Eller Media Stadium. Starting pitcher Alyssa Batastini earned her first collegiate win, and the Rebels improved to 6-4 while the Colonials fell to 2-6.
UNLV took the lead for good by scoring two runs in the first inning. The Rebels took advantage of a fielding error with two outs and no one on base. After Petmecky reached on the defensive mistake, Alyssa Cordova hit her first home run of the season to left center to give UNLV the 2-0 lead.
Batastini was hit by a pitch to lead off the second inning. Courtney Beavers reached on a throwing error by the third baseman on a sacrifice bunt. After both baserunners advanced on a fielder's choice, pinch-hitter Garie Blando knocked in Batastini with a single just over the first baseman. With one out Jamie DePippo singled through the left side and advanced to second base to bring in Beavers. Janine Petmecky hit a triple to left center with two outs to score Myranda Bueno and DePippo.
After Robert Morris scored two runs in the fourth inning, UNLV pushed their lead back to six in the fifth inning. Kwyn Cooper led off with an infield single and went to second on a wild pitch. Beavers drew a walk on a full count, and both her and Cooper advanced a base on another wild pitch. With two outs Jadelyn Yadao-Valdez fooled the Colonials' outfielders who were playing in and hit a triple that went past the centerfielder to knock in Cooper and Beavers for the final UNLV runs of the game.
The Colonials scored in a run in the sixth, but Janine Petmecky pitched a scoreless seventh inning to prevent the comeback. Petmecky got two groundouts and a fly out to Yadao-Valdez to end the game.
Batastini pitched four innings with four hits, two runs and one walk allowed with three strikeouts. Morgan Ettinger relieved her in the fifth and gave up four hits, one run and one walk.
Cooper finished 4-4 to lead UNLV at the plate, and Petmecky and Cordova collected two hits. Petmecky, Cordova and Yadao-Valdez all had two RBIs.
The Rebels return to action tomorrow and face Portland State at 1:30 p.m. in the final game of the DeMarini Desert Classic.
