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Mask Grand Slam Powers Rams to Tournament Title Colorado State rallied with eight runs in the sixth inning to rally past New Mexico State.
Feb. 11, 2007
The Colorado State softball team captured the Hotel Encanto de Las Cruces Invitational Championship with an eight run rally in the bottom of the sixth inning that propelled the Rams to a 9-7 victory over host New Mexico State on Sunday afternoon. The Rams improve to 3-3 on the season with the victory. Junior Lauren Cusick and freshman Robyn Mask each recorded four RBIs to lead the Rams to the come-from-behind victory. "I'm really proud of our team right now," Commented head coach Mary Yori. "We really fought hard on every pitch, and we got a lot of production from a lot of different players." The Aggies jumped out to an early 1-0 lead in the first inning with the aid of a pair of CSU errors by senior Brittany Huerta and freshman Kayla Kreutzman. Following a three run third inning, Colorado State trailed 4-0. Kreutzman attoned for her earlier error with a solo home run to right field, to cut the Aggies' lead to 4-1. However, New Mexico State pushed the lead back to four runs with a lead-off home run in the top of the sixth inning. The Rams then rallied in the bottom of the sixth. Cusick led off the inning with a solo homer to right center. Following a walk by Jessica Strickland, junior Julia Kloppe and Huerta each fouled out. With two outs, and the Rams' trailing 5-2, the Colorado Satte loaded the bases after freshman Becca Penland walked and Kreutzman reached on an error by the New Mexico State shortstop. Robyn Mask then stepped up to the plate and gave the Rams the lead with a grand slam home run, her fourth home run of the season. After freshmen Allison Majam and Ashley Munoz reached base on a single and an error, respectively, Cusick notched her second home run of the inning to give the Rams a 9-6 lead.
New Mexico State added two runs in the bottom of the seventh inning, but it was not enough, as Colorado State held on for the 9-7 victory. Cusick finished the day 2-for-3 with two home runs, four RBI and two runs scored. Kreutzman finished 1-for-3 with two runs and an RBI and Mask notched two hits and recorded a run and four RBI. Sophomore pitcher Kim Klabough picked up the win for the Rams and improved to 1-1 on the season. She pitched 3.1 innings, allowing just three hits and one run. Jessica Strickland started at pitcher for CSU, hurling 3.2 innings for the Rams. She was reinserted to close out the game, earning her first save of the season. Four Rams earned a nod on the All-Tournament team including Kreutzman (OF), Lauren Cusick (DP), Jessica Strickland (P) and Robyn Mask (MVP). Kreutzman hit .438 for the tournament seven hits, one double, one home run and two RBI. Cusick hit .368 with five RBI and hit two home runs in the championship game. Strickland posted a record of 2-0 in four appearances and recorded 18 strikeouts in 19.1 innings pitched and Mask hit .438 with four home runs, eight RBI and the grand slam to put the Rams ahead in the championship. The Rams will continue action when they travel to Las Vegas, Nev. to compete in the Louisville Slugger Desert Classic. The Rams will face a tough field, including matchups with UCLA, Hawai'i, Cal, Central Florida and UC Davis. Play begins on Feb. 16. |
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