Bloomingdale puts aside only loss, playing error-free in a 5-2 win over Sickles.
By EMILY NIPPS
Published March 11, 2004
TAMPA - Errors have been the bane of Bloomingdale's defense for the past few weeks, and Bulls coach Mike Clamon has not been happy with the trend.
Yes, the Bulls have been successful with a 10-1 record, but three errors in the first inning of Saturday's game against East Bay cost them with their only loss.
On Wednesday night, the Bulls made amends by playing an error-free game behind backup pitcher Nicole Anderson (3-1) to beat Sickles 5-2. Anderson struck out eight and allowed five hits, but it was the Bulls' batting that gave them the edge over the rebuilding Gryphons (4-3).
Bulls senior shortstop Devan Spence had two run-scoring doubles (plus a third RBI) and, Jasmine Rivera also hit a double to set up a seventh-inning scoring surge.
"We got a lot of runners on early, and I think that helped make the difference," Clamon said. "But to have those three doubles in the last three innings kept us ahead."
Bloomingdale got a quick start with two runs in the first inning, and Sickles did not respond until the fourth when senior Ashley Trent singled in freshman Angela Blockburger.
Bulls pitcher Allison Kime scored on Spence's double in the fifth, but when Gryphons senior Krystal Crooks hit a double to score freshman Nadirah Nesfield, the Bulls tensed. They led by one (3-2) heading into the seventh inning, and Sickles seemed to be warming up.
That's when Rivera hit a double, and Kime got on base with a single.
Designated hitter Tiffany Anderson followed with a fielder's choice, and Spence's double brought home Rivera and Kime for two security runs.
Sickles freshman pitcher Richelle Mirabel (1-2) began the bottom of the inning with a base hit, but when Katie Ely smacked one into the infield, the Bulls reacted quickly with a double play. Anderson struck out Khalila Karim to end the game.
Clamon said he was curious to see how the Bulls responded behind Anderson, since they seem to play with more confidence behind top pitcher Kime, who is 7-0. He was happy with what he saw Wednesday.
"They're meshing well," Clamon said. "And they should be meshing well. I have six seniors, and five start. I think they're pretty focused."
