Nightingale Overpowers East Central’s Hitters for a 3-0 Zia Victory

Box Score - ENMU 3, ECU 0

IRVING, TEXAS — Amanda Nightingale (Sr., RHP, Mesquite, TX/North Central Texas College) overwhelmed East Central University with a three hit shutout to lead Eastern New Mexico University to a 3-0 win in the opening game of the Lone Star Conference First Pitch Tournament on Feb. 24 at Southwest Park. The tournament was rained out later in the day, as the Zias improved their record to 12-10 overall. The Lady Tigers remained winless this season with a 0-3 record.

Nightingale faced only five more batters than the minimum, as she struck out eight ECU hitters and did not allow any base on balls. The Zias loaded the bases in the first inning, but East Central’s Cara Gaskins was able to strand the runners to get out of the inning. In the bottom of the third inning, Nightingale was able to overcome two Zia fielding errors by getting a strikeout for the third out with the bases loaded to keep the game scoreless.

Eastern’s offense woke up in the fourth inning, taking advantage of a lead-off walk to Tina Whitt (Sr., C, Riverside, CA/Midland College). Tracy Jordan (Sr., 2B, Rosamond, CA/Desert HS) provided a sacrifice bunt to advanced Whitt into scoring position. With two outs, Kelsey Kubik (Jr., LF, Tucson, AZ/Pima College) drove in Elizabeth Hawkins (Jr., PR, Sandpoint, ID/Geroge Fox University), who had come in as a pinch runner for Whitt, with a double to left center field for a 1-0 Zia lead.

After another three up and three down inning for Nightingale, Jessica Nocas (Sr., SS, Riverside, CA/Midland College) hit a one out single to get the ENMU offense going. Elizabeth Whipkey (So., 1B, Orange, CA/Villa Park HS) hit a double which advanced Nocas to third base. With two outs, Jordan hit a triple down the left field line to drive in Nocas and Whipkey for a 3-0 lead.

The Zias had a chance in the top of the seventh to provide more of a cushion for Nightingale, but they couldn’t take advantage of a bases loaded situation. The Lady Tigers, in their last at bat, were able to get two runners on base, but a good defensive play by Jordan and Nocas got Katie Thompson out at second base. Nightingale was able to end the rally attempt with a strikeout for the final out of the game.

With the complete game victory, Nightingale evened up her season record at 2-2. Jordan went 2-3 at the plate and recorded two RBIs. Kubik made the most of her only hit with an RBI double. Nocas was 1-2 at the plate, with one run scored, while forcing two walks. Gaskins recorded five strikeouts for the Lady Tigers while giving up seven hits, but walked seven Zia batters.

The Zias will continue tourney play on Saturday, Feb. 25, weather permitting. Eastern’s home opener will be on Friday, March 3 against the College of the Southwest at 12 p.m. MST. The weekend series will conclude on Saturday, March 4 with a double-header slated for a 12 p.m. MST start.