May 24, 2011

GULF SHORES, Ala. – (Box Score) Belhaven (Miss.) (45-11) turned one unearned run into a 1-0 victory over Cal State San Marcos (50-11) on day two of bracket play at the 2011 NAIA Softball National Championship.

The win sends Belhaven to the final game of the loser's bracket tonight at 5:30 p.m. against California Baptist. The winner of that game will advance to Wednesday's National Championship game against Oregon Tech, and be forced to beat the Owls twice in order to win it all.

Sarah Burns (40-9) tossed a complete-game shutout, scattering six hits and walking three while fanning four batters. Brenna Sandberg (41-10) was tagged with the loss after giving up one unearned tally on three hits in six innings of action. She struck out two and walked two.

The one run in the game came in the bottom of the second inning when Rachel Wright drew a one-out walk to start a rally. Sandberg induced a fly out for out number two before an error extended the frame to give Lizzy Hess an at-bat with runners on the corners. With the count in her favor at 3-1, Hess delivered a single through the left side of the infield to drive home Wright for the winning run.

Belhaven's defense turned in a stout effort behind Burns, tying the tournament record by turning three double plays in the game. That feat was last accomplished in 1996 by Athens State (Ga.).

Burns also helped herself get out of trouble, especially in the fifth inning when she struck out back-to-back batters with runners at second and third and only one out. The Owls again threatened in the sixth with a walk and single to put two one with one out. That's when the Blazers' defense turned its third double play of the day, this one of the 4-3 variety to end the threat.

The remaining games will be broadcast live at www.watchnaia.com.