University of Connecticut Athletics
University of Connecticut
Memphis
Koshes Looks Strong, But Softball Edged by Memphis
4/20/2018 12:00:00 AM | Softball
MEMPHIS, Tenn. - Another terrific outing by sophomore pitcher Katie Koshes put the UConn softball team in good position against Memphis in the series-opener on Friday afternoon, but one run proved to be the difference in a 1-0 loss to the Tigers in American Athletic Conference play.
Koshes (3-6) picked up the tough-luck loss, after pitching six masterful innings of one-run, five-hit ball - including eight strikeouts and no walks. She stranded six runners while holding the Memphis hitters to 0-for-12 with runners on base (0-for-7 with runners in scoring position).
The Huskies (16-29, 2-11 American) had several scoring opportunities - helped set-up by multi-hit games from sophomore Kiwi McDaniel and redshirt freshman Olivia Sappington - but came up one clutch hit short against Memphis (32-15, 7-6 American).
The only run of the game came on a solo homer by Brooke Lee in the fourth inning, the only mistake made by Koshes all day, which gave the Tigers a 1-0 lead. Memphis pitchers Molly Smith (20-6) and Mariah Nicholas (save - 3) combined to throw seven scoreless.
Right from the start, it was a pitchers' duel between Koshes and Smith - as both continued to hurl scoreless frames despite facing run-threatening scenarios.
"You have to keep fighting and every pitch has to be thought about," said Koshes on pitching in a tight game. "You can't just throw any strike, because that strike might change the whole game. I'm just trying to throw the best for my team."
Koshes continued her conference dominance, as she leads the pitching staff in ERA (3.13), wins (2), complete games (4), innings (38), strikeouts (46) and opposing batting average (.215) against league opponents.
BOT 3 | Fourth strikeout of the game for Katie! pic.twitter.com/H6mQqlsjYJ
- UConn Softball (@UConnSoftball) April 20, 2018
"I came out in conference (games) pretty fresh with my arm, so that's been a positive," said Koshes. "We get a good amount of rest and the days off that we need. Even though it can be tiring with travel and the amount of games, it ends up working out."
The left-hander stranded five runners in scoring position, including a sticky situation in the sixth with runners on second and third with one out. Koshes retired the final two batters to keep it a one-run game heading into the seventh.
"You just need to mentally prepare yourself and think about the next out," said Koshes about pitching with runners on base. "You need to be more focused of what's going on and where I need to back up or make a play."
Early in the game, the Huskies' offense had the bases loaded with two outs - but were unable to take advantage. In the fifth, UConn had another good opportunity with runners on first and second with no outs, before freshman Briana Marcelino hit into an 8-4 double play to halt the rally.
McDaniel and Sappington each had hits in the sixth, but a pair of groundouts stranded two more runners for UConn. Both players extended their current hitting streaks to four games on Friday.
"We need to work on our clutch hitting," said Koshes. "We're getting hits, we're hitting the ball hard, we're walking, we're getting on base - we just need to play loose and not let anything hold us back in our at-bats."
UConn heads back into action on Saturday when it plays Memphis in a doubleheader, beginning at 3 p.m. ET. The second game will take place approximately 30 minutes after the conclusion of game one.
