Errors and miscues led to a surprising loss for the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff softball team on Monday.
Alcorn State defeated UAPB 9-0 in the opening game of a three-game series at the Torii Hunter Softball Complex in Pine Bluff.
UAPB (10-21, 5-8 SWAC) committed five errors. Two pitchers and two catchers combined for three wild pitches and six passed balls, and the Lady Braves took advantage by scoring seven unearned runs.
Head Coach Michael Bumpers said the Lady Lions weren’t focused on Monday.
“Not wanting to be here today, thinking the game is already wrapped up before we even started playing the game,” Bumpers said. “That’s what happens. You get your butt beat.”
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
UAPB ace pitcher Kayla Adams did not play. Bumpers said he would know more about her status on Tuesday. Heidi Price (1-8) started in her place.
Alcorn (7-20, 2-11) got its first six batters on base to open the game, though one was caught stealing. Nevertheless, designated player Mariah Morgan drove in the first run with an RBI single. An errant throw from UAPB centerfielder Chasney Cooper allowed another run to score as Morgan moved to third. She scored two batters later on an RBI single by first baseman Paris Thompson.
Price retired the next five batters she faced but was pulled with no outs in the third inning after giving up a bunt single and a walk. Both runners scored later in the inning, and Price finished her two-inning start having allowed five runs, two earned, with four hits and three walks.
Danika Bryant, who hadn’t pitched since March 18 due to a shoulder injury, relieved Price. She allowed one hit and no earned runs in five innings, but Alcorn scored four unearned runs against her with eight walks and five strikeouts. UAPB swapped catchers during the fourth inning, replacing starter Kaitlyn Neely with Naiyestlie Ware after Neely’s third passed ball.
Bumpers said the Lady Lions need to work harder at getting themselves ready to play.
“You gotta be able to utilize and do the things necessary on your own and with the team in order to get yourself better,” Bumpers said. “We done got a little bit complacent, and right now, we gotta find nine that want to play.”
Braves left fielder Yahnya Acevedo hit 2 for 3 with an RBI and a run to lead the Alcorn offense. Shortstop Karmen Bernard walked three times and scored three runs. Alcorn pitcher Ta’Niyah Fletcher (6-11) pitched seven shutout innings. She allowed two hits and five walks with nine strikeouts. Neely and Ware had both UAPB hits as each finished 1 for 1 at the plate. The other eight spots in the lineup finished a combined 0 for 19.
Bumpers said the Lady Lions didn’t have a good approach at the plate.
“We’re just going up there swinging,” Bumpers said. “Whatever’s close to the plate. She average nine walks a game, and we go up there, and we help her out. We just not disciplined at the plate.”
UAPB and Alcorn will finish the series, which was delayed from the weekend due to weather, with a doubleheader on Tuesday beginning at 11 a.m.