May 2, 2008

Box Score

EAST PEORIA, Ill. - The No. 7 Lewis University softball team's hopes for a conference title came to end on Friday, as the Indianapolis Greyhounds eked out a 2-1 come-from-behind win in a Great Lakes Valley Conference Championship Tournament elimination game.

With two out in the bottom of the seventh, Lewis (37-16) had runners on first and second with power-hitting junior Kelly Dianis at the plate, but a bizarre pick-off of Lewis' runner on first ended the game.

Seemingly not interested in throwing Dianis anything to hit, Indy pitcher Megan Russell quickly ran the count to 3-0. The fourth pitch sailed in high for an apparent ball, but home plate umpire Tim Klemm delivered a much-delayed strike call - so delayed that Dianis and both Lewis base runners were already half-way down to their next base.

Russell, who already had the ball back from her catcher, tossed the ball over to her second baseman, who tagged out the Lewis runner for the game's final out.

Indy took its lead over Lewis with a two-run rally in the top of the seventh. With runners on second and third, Russell belted a two-RBI double to the gap in left center.

Junior Courtney Lyons (19-7) had allowed only one hit prior to the seventh. She struck out seven while walking just two batters. She also hit in Lewis' only run with a single in the fourth. Junior Lisa Gartland scored after walking to lead-off the inning.

While the Flyers conference title dreams have ended, the season has not. Lewis is ranked No. 2 in the Great Lakes Region and will play in the regional tournament at SIU Edwardsville next week. The official regional selection will be announced on Sunday.