Feb. 14, 2009
Final Stats
UTEP vs. Eastern Illinois Box Score 
UTEP vs. Central Michigan
LAS CRUCES, N.M. - The UTEP softball team (5-5) came back from a three run deficit to defeat Central Michigan, 4-3, in eight innings of play on the final day of the Troy Cox Classic. The Miners dropped a 6-1 decision to Eastern Illinois earlier in the day.
Townsend received the victory against the Chippewas to move to 4-2 on the season.
The extra inning game was the second in two days against Central Michigan and the third time since the two first met on Feb. 17, 2007. UTEP leads the series 3-0.
Kelly Curran struck out a career-high 10 batters in the loss to the Panthers and moves to 1-3 on the season. Curran, who came in relief, allowed five runs on eight hits, but only one was earned.
EIU utilized two walks and a single to load the bases in the first inning. UTEP replaced starting pitcher, Chelsea Mayer, who lasted just one out, with Curran who walked a runner in for the RBI. Curran struck out the next two batters to end the half inning.
The Miners answered back in the bottom of the frame when Chelsea Troupe drew a free pass to first and was brought home by Camilla Carrera who delivered UTEP's first triple of the season.
The Panthers scored another run in the top of the third off an RBI-single
UTEP's defense tripped in the top of the fourth, allowing four unearned runs to score that gave the Panthers the 6-1 lead.
The Miners had two bases loaded opportunities in the fourth and fifth innings, but could not convert. UTEP left a total of 14 runners on base in the game.
The Miners combined for nine hits against Central Michigan in the second game of the day and committed three defensive errors.
The Chippewas struck first as two UTEP errors scored lead-off hitter Tracy Kaatz.
Central Michigan recorded a run in the bottom of the fifth when Kaatz hit a bunt single with two outs on the board. Christina Novak belted a double into the right-center pocket for the 2-0 lead and Novak's RBI-single in the bottom of the fifth gave the Chippewas a 3-0 advantage after five.
UTEP was able to get on the board in the top of the sixth as Troupe worked CMU's Ali Pettit for a walk. A ground out moved Troupe to second and a wild pitch sent her to third. A single by Ashley Ellis drove Troupe home for the first Miners run.
With two outs in the seventh frame and Jennifer Stalter on first, Carrera singled to the right side, putting Stalter in scoring position. Townsend belted a single to the same spot, plating Statler and a single by Troupe drove in Carrera for the tying run.
The Miners retired the final three batters in regulation to send the game into extra innings. It marked the third time in as many games that UTEP and Central Michigan would decide the victory in extra stanzas.
The stars were on UTEP's side, as the Miners had won the previous two meetings, including a 3-1 final on Friday.
Amber Bennett was placed on second. Two outs later, a dropped fly by CMU's right fielder drove Bennett home for the 4-3 advantage.
The Miners retired the final three batters for the comeback victory.
UTEP will open its 2009 home season on Wed., Feb. 18 against Northern Colorado. First pitch of the doubleheader is slated for 3 p.m. The Miners host the UTEP Softball Invitational February 19-22. All games are at Helen of Troy Field.
