Box Score CARBONDALE, Ill. ? Cassidy Scoggins tossed her fifth career no-hitter and Bradley managed just two base runners in the game, as the Braves dropped their third consecutive contest to open Missouri Valley Conference play, falling 2-0 to 20th and 23rd ranked Southern Illinois Sunday afternoon in Carbondale, Ill.
Sophomore pitcher Ashley Birdsong (8-3) had another strong outing, surrendering just two hits while striking out seven and walking two, but Bradley was unable to get a hit in the contest and was shutout for the third consecutive game as the Braves fell to 11-6 overall, 0-3 in Valley play with the loss.
Southern Illinois (21-6 overall, 3-0 MVC) pushed the only run Scoggins and the Salukis would need across in the bottom of the first inning. Alicia Garza drew a lead off walk and moved to second on a sacrifice bunt. Lauren Haas followed with a single up the middle that drove in Garza with the games first run.
SIU added an insurance run in the bottom of the third inning to take a 2-0 lead. Krystal Stein led off the frame with a double to right center and advanced to third on a sacrifice bunt. Tiffanie Dismore drove in Stein from third base, lifting a sacrifice fly to right field.
Freshman Lauren Meister started what proved to be the Braves best scoring opportunity of the day in the top of the third inning when she drew a leadoff walk. Meister advanced to second base on a groundout and junior Stephanie Ramsey was hit by a pitch, putting runners at first and second with only one out. Scoggins would get out of the jam, however, striking out the next two batters to get out of the inning unscathed.
Scoggins (9-3 overall) struck out 11 and walked one as the Salukis completed the sweep of the regular-season series.
Bradley returns to action Tuesday in Martin, Tenn., when the Braves play Alabama A&M (Noon) and Tennessee-Martin (4 p.m.).
