St. George, Utah - March 13, 2010 - Southern Utah fell to
South Dakota State 8-3 in a game called in the top of the sixth inning after
the winds and rain descended upon Karl Brooks Field.
The three-game series was moved to nearby St. George, after
snowfall in Cedar City earlier in the week. The teams split in Friday's double-header. More inclement weather on Saturday doused any hopes of a Thunderbird comeback.
Southern Utah struck first in the bottom half of the opening
frame. Norian James led off with
an infield single. James moved to
second on Ariel Morbeck's sacrifice bunt, and then stole third.
Brittany Henderson walked, and stole second. Next, Aly Daniels doubled to left
center to bring both runners home.
It was 2-0 Thunderbirds after one.
South Dakota tied things up in the top of the second on
Krista Honken's two-run home run.
The Jacks added three in the fourth on four hits and a
Thunderbird error, and three more in the fifth on two hits and another T-Bird
miscue.
SUU plated one run in the fifth. Darleen Fernandez led off with a single up the middle. Danielle Swopes, running for Fernandez
moved to second on a Stephanie DeJesus sacrifice bunt. Swopes moved to third on Brittany Henderson's infield single, and on to home on an errant throw.
The Jacks sent three batters to the plate in the top of the
sixth, before the wind and rain sent all scattering for shelter. The game was called when it became
apparent field conditions were unplayable.
Kori Seidlitz (6-9) picked up the win; Bubba Kearns (3-9)
took the loss.
The Thunderbirds next hit the road, traveling to Toledo for a game on
Wednesday March 17, before continuing Summit League play with a three-game
series at IPFW on Friday and Saturday.