MonticelloLive

The University of Arkansas at Monticello Cotton Blossoms (34-15, 10-7 GSC) saw their normally potent offense limited to just three hits as they dropped a 6-1 decision to the University of West Alabama Tigers on Thursday at Wilson-Morgan Park on the opening day of the Gulf South Conference Crossover.

UAM starter Kate Brady (Jr., Longview, Texas) and UWA starter Emily White dueled over the first five scoreless innings, but the Tigers broke through with a three-run sixth inning, keyed by a two-run blast by Shannon Goggins that gave UWA a 2-0 lead. Brady then issued back-to-back-to-back walks to load the bases before being relieved by K.K. Calloway (Jr., West Monroe, La.).

A sacrifice fly by UWA set the Tigers’ lead at 3-0 after the top of the sixth.

Terri Rodgers (Sr., Enterprise, Ala.) led off the bottom of the frame with a triple and was knocked home by Sarah Reed (Sr., McKinney, Texas) but the Blossoms could manage no more offense, trailing 3-1 going into the seventh.

The Tigers continued their offensive onslaught in the seventh inning, scoring three more runs in the seventh to pull ahead 6-1, and the Blossoms were shut down in the bottom of the seventh to seal the UWA victory.

Brady (14-8) suffered the loss after allowing six runs, five earned, in six innings of work, surrendering seven hits and five walks along with five strikeouts.

The Blossoms return to action on Friday, facing West Florida and #5 Valdosta State on day two of the Gulf South Conference Crossover.