By Ted Waddell
JEFFERSONVILLE — April 27, 2004 – Erin Rosenberger pitched a no-hit shutout for Sullivan West (SW) Thursday afternoon to lead the Lady Bulldogs to a 1-0 victory over the Lady Spartans of S.S. Seward.
The non-league game was played on Lauren Hughson Athletic Field, which is located at SW’s Jeffersonville-Youngsville campus.
The no-hitter was Rosenberger’s second of the 2004 season. On April 16, the senior hurler did not allow a hit versus the Liberty Lady Indians in a 10-0 Lady Bulldogs’ victory.
With the win over Seward, SW improved to 3-2 on the season. The Lady Spartans fell to 3-5 this spring.
SW scored what turned out to be the winning – and only – run in the bottom of the third inning. Kristen Brucher led off with a walk, stole second and advanced to third on a fielder’s choice single by Heather Lander. Brucher then scored on a passed ball.
On the way to the no-hit shutout, Rosenberger struck out four (a bit below her average) and allowed one walk.
“I can’t say enough about Erin and Leslie Bright catching her,” said Coach Mike Ellmauer.
Seward Coach Don Lewis said it was “a great game, and their pitcher was awesome.
“We battled the whole game and we got a couple to drop in, but they were there wherever we hit ’em,” he added. “It was quite a battle on the field . . . our girls really battled hard, and that’s all I can expect.”
Lewis also praised his pitcher, Melissa Oliphant.
“She only gave up two or three hits and struck out a bunch,” he said.
“I think we should have a pretty good season,” Lewis added. “Last year, we went to the sectional finals and we hope to repeat that.”
In singing the praises of the Lady Bulldogs, Ellmauer said his team played heads-up ball and “everybody contributed.” He noted that for the first time in a couple of years, the defense wasn’t charged with an error.
“Erin pitched well and the defense picked it up a notch, but I wish my hitting was coming around a little bit better,” he said.
“I knew it was going to be a close game, but not that close,” Ellmauer added. “Florida has turned their program around and they have a pretty good pitcher.”