Feb. 13, 2009
Final Stats
UTEP vs. St. Mary's Box Score 
UTEP vs. Central Michigan Box Score
LAS CRUCES, N.M. - Stacie Townsend launched her fourth home run of the season lifting UTEP past Central Michigan, 3-1 in eight innings, at the Troy Cox Invitational of Friday.
The Miners defeated St. Mary's (Calif.), 9-5, in the day's opener to improve to 4-4 on the season.
Townsend's long ball was the 18th of her career and the Miners' 14 of the season. She finished 3-for-6 with two runs and three RBI.
Townsend also picked up the Central Michigan victory in the circle and moves to 2-2 in 2009. She allowed one run on seven hits and struck out seven batters.
Kelly Curran was the winning hurler against St. Mary's to improve to 1-2 and Townsend, who came in relief, was awarded the save.
UTEP opened the day, scoring one run in the first inning and two in the second off RBI-singles by Jennifer Davis and Chelsea Troupe, respectively.
Held scoreless in the third, the Miners opened the bottom of the fourth with a bunt single by Kristin Lusby, who moved to scoring position with a sacrifice by Jennifer Stalter. Troupe stepped to the plate and laced her third long ball of her career, good for three runs to put the Miners ahead, 6-0.
After four scoreless innings, St. Mary's posted five runs in the top of the fifth that included a grand slam home run by the Gaels' Kayla Aldridge.
The Miners answered back as Townsend belted her first long ball of the day and Stalter went yard, good for two runs to give the Miners the 9-5 final.
UTEP combined for 12 hits in the game including a 2-for-2 outing by Stalter and a 2-for-4 showing by Troupe who also knocked in four runs.
The Miners were held to just one run in seven innings of play and allowed one run to take the nightcap into extra innings against Central Michigan.
UTEP's only run was a solo homer by Davis that led off the top of the second.
The Miners had two scoring opportunities in the third frame but the back-to-back plays at home plate stalled the Miners' offense.
Using the international extra inning rules, Troupe, the last UTEP batter in regulation, was placed on second base. Two outs later, Townsend's home run blast brought Troupe home and gave the Miners the 3-1 advantage.
Townsend retired the Chippewas' final three batters for the victory.
The Miners conclude action at the Troy Cox Classic tomorrow when they face Eastern Michigan and revisit Central Michigan. Game times are slated for 9 a.m. and 11:30 a.m., respectively.
UTEP opens its home slate Wed., Feb. 18 in a doubleheader series against Northern Colorado. First pitch is slated for 3 p.m. at Helen of Troy Field.
