USF Softball Run-Rules Memphis 8-0, Corrick Dominates (Again) in AAC Tournament Opener

USF Softball didn’t need to play a whole game before notching their 40th win of the season and first in the American Athletic Conference Tournament. The Bulls run-ruled 8th-seeded Memphis 8-0 with a walk-off 2-run bomb by senior Lindsey Devitt in the sixth. Georgina Corrick pitched another gem, one-hitting the Tigers—who collected that one hit in in the opening frame of the sixth inning—and struck out nine.

The game was scoreless, and hitless, the first two innings, but once the Bulls got going, the runs stampeded [Ed. Note: (Eyeroll)] in. USF scored four in the third inning on an RBI single by Megan Sheehan, a walk, a wild pitch, and a sacrifice fly by Macy Cook each scored runs.

The Bulls also scored two in the fifth off Sheehan’s second RBI single of the game and another wild pitch on a successful double steal attempt.

Devitt’s 2-run blast secured the victory and an early final for the top seeded Bulls.

Corrick (24-4) is the type of pitcher that can carry you through a tournament, so saving her an inning of work could pay off dividends later on in the single-elimination tournament.

USF’s offense notched eight runs on eight hits with five walks as Memphis used three different pitchers in the game. The Tigers defense surrendered three errors against the Bulls aggressive base-running.

After their opening round victory, Coach Ken’s squad could sit back and watch the remaining games of the day to see their fate.

Fourth-seeded Wichita State beat C. 2-1 to set up a rematch of last weekend’s series in the semis. USF will face the shockers tomorrow at 2 p.m. with a shot in the finals on the line.

In the most shocking game of the day, second-seed Tulsa fell to eight-seed ECU 4-3 in extras. Tulsa beat USF in the finals last season to take the tournament conference crown, and won the series this season in Tampa.

Coach Ken Erikson will not be in attendance for Friday’s game as he will be attending his daughter’s graduation in Staten Island. If the Bulls win tomorrow, Coach Ken will return to Houston to coach the Finals which will be held on Saturday at noon.

UPDATE: Inclement weather has pushed the conclusion of the Houston vs. UConn game to 1:30 on Friday. USF’s semifinal game vs. Wichita St. will be at 3:30.

UPDATE, Friday, May 10: Severe weather has canceled all softball activities for Friday. As of right now, the remainder of the American Athletic Conference Tournament is awaiting further scheduling updates from the conference office.

Looks like Coach Ken can enjoy the day with his daughter without scoreboard watching for the time being. Hopefully he was able to get out of Houston safely last night.