Feb. 26, 2011

LOUISVILLE, Ky. - Erika Taylor tossed her fifth complete game of the year, Paige Sheeder hit her second home run of the season and the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville softball defeated Miami University 3-0 in the second day of action at the Red and Black Tournament.

"We're continuing to try to get better every day," SIUE Head Coach Sandy Montgomery said. "We want to take quality at-bats."

Taylor improved to 2-6 with the victory. The senior right-hander scattered five hits and struck out eight. Her first strikeout of the day gave her 500 for her career. She is only the third pitcher in school history to collect 500 or more strikeouts. She now has 507.

"Erika threw another good game today," Montgomery said. "You can give up some hits and afford some walks when you spread it out."

Sheeder's home run came in a three-run second inning for the Cougars. Five of SIUE's six hits for the game came in the inning. All three runs came with two outs in the inning.

Whitney Davis led off the inning with a single up the middle before being picked off first base. Samantha Stanicek singled with one out. Sheeder followed, pulling the long ball into left and into the street beyond left field. Barron followed Sheeder to the plate and beat out a bunt single, and then stole second base. Megan Murphy then singled through the right side of the infield to drive home Barron to make it 3-0.

Sheeder finished 1 for 3 with the two RBIs. Murphy was 1 for 2 with the RBI. Davis was 2 for 3.

Kirstie Fehrenbach led the Redhawks, 5-3, at the plate. She was 3 for 3.

Miami right-hander Paige Myers threw a complete game despite the loss. Myers struck out six. She retired the Cougars in order four times during the game.

The Cougars face Miami again Sunday morning beginning at 10 a.m. ET. SIUE wraps up the tournament again Wright State beginning at noon.