Softball 4/16/2009 8:34:00 PM

Brandi Jones Ties Home Run Record in 7-5 Loss to ECU

ELON, N.C. - Brandi Jones hit the 25th home run of her career to tie the school record that was set by Pam Brock, who played at Elon from 1999-2002 in the 7-5 loss to East Carolina in non-conference softball action at East Field. The team’s combined for four home runs, including three three-run homers. Elon falls to 13=21 on the season while ECU improves to 31-11 this season.

Leading the Phoenix was Kaitlyn Piazzolla, who went two-for-three with four RBI and one run scored following a three-run blast in the third. Brandi Jones was three-for-four with a solo home run and two runs scored.

The Phoenix recorded the first hit of the day when Jones singled to left field in the bottom of the first. With one out, Patti Weber hit an infield single that put Jones at third. Piazzolla singled up the middle to score Jones that allowed Elon to take an early 1-0 lead.

Cristen Aona gave ECU its first hit of the game when she opened the top of the second with a single to shallow center. Sarah Bibee was then hit by a pitch to put Aona in scoring position. Elon was able to get the lead runner for the second out when Christina Merrida reached on a fielder’s choice. With two outs, Kaui Tom hit a three-run home run over the left field wall to give the Pirates a 3-1 lead. Elon’s Erin O’Shea ended the inning by striking out the final batter.

The Phoenix looked to threaten in the bottom of the second when Hannah Shelton and Jones reached a pair of singles. The final Elon batter struck out before Elon could plate a run.

Angel Barrella opened the top of the third with a walk that was followed by a bunt single by Charina Sumner that put runners at first and second. With no one out, Jessica Johnson belted a three-run home run to right center field that allowed ECU to take a 6-1 lead. A strikeout by O’Shea and a pair of pop-ups allowed Elon to end the inning.

Elon answered with a three-run homer of its own to make it a 6-4 game in the bottom of the third. Weber and Melanie Helterbran opened the bottom of the third with a pair of singles that brought Piazzolla to the plate. Once there, she sent an 0-2 pitch over the left centerfield wall to cut the lead to two.

The pitchers kept opposing batters at bay over the next two innings, combining for just two hits and 11 strikeouts. East Carolina ended the pitcher’s duel in the top of the seventh inning. Aona walked to reach. Following the walk, two ECU hitters were hit by pitches to load the bases. Bibee then singled to left field to score Aona to give the Pirates a 7-4 lead.

Jones recorded the final run of the game for Elon in the bottom of the seventh inning with a solo shot to left field to give her a share of the school record and make it a 7-5 game.

Toni Paisley picked up the win to improve to 23-6. She allowed one run on one hit in 4.2 innings. She also struck out 10. Also appearing in the circle for the Pirates was Brooke Swann, who threw 2.1 innings, allowing four runs on nine hits and struck out two. Erin O’Shea fell to 5-6 on the season. She allowed seven runs on six hits and struck out five, tying her career-best, in 6.2 innings of work. She also issued three walks and hit three batters. Helterbran came on in relief of O’Shea in the seventh, allowing just one hit. She also registered one strikeout.

The Phoenix return to the road this weekend when it travels to Charleston, S.C. to face the College of Charleston. The team will play a double-header on Saturday beginning at 1 p.m. The three-game series will conclude Sunday afternoon at 1 p.m. Full coverage of each game will be available at www.elonphoenix.com.

- ELON -

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