Softball Scores Eight Straight Runs to Split Against Montreat

ATHENS, Tenn.- The softball team was back in action on their home field on Tuesday. Tennessee Wesleyan split a doubleheader against the Montreat College Lady Cavaliers, winning the second game 8-1.

Game One:

The first game of the Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC) doubleheader saw the Lady Bulldogs fall behind on the scoreboard early. Montreat scored a run in the top of the first. The deficit did not last long though as the team scored two runs in the bottom of the first. Courtney Sneed used an error to get on base, moving to second on a wild pitch. Bailee Phillips put runners on the corner with her single getting Sneed to third. A single to deep right field by Taylor Penning gave the team a 2-1 lead as both Sneed and Phillips, who was on second after a ground out, both scored.

Unfortunately, the opponents took the lead back in the third inning and expanded their lead in the sixth inning. TWU was not able to come back, falling in the first game 5-2.

Gracie Calton had a career-high four strikeouts in the circle.

Game Two:

After falling behind by one in the fourth inning of the second game, the Lady Bulldogs ignited a spark in the sixth inning that helped the team win the game.

Phillips started the inning with a single. Another deep hit by Penning moved pinch-runner Ali Richards to third base. The bases became loaded with a single by Mackenzie Baldwin. Avery Hope relieved Richards of her time on base, hitting a single to keep the bases loaded and score the farthest base runner, tying the game 1-1.

Tatum Massengale came to the plate and hit a fly out to center field that resulted in a sacrifice fly as Penning tagged up to score and give the team a 2-1 lead. The lead grew on Kaley Bradley's fielder's choice that resulted in an error, opening the space for Baldwin to score after advancing to third. Carlynn Atamaniuk loaded the bases for a fourth time in the inning with a bunt single. The bases were loaded for a fifth and sixth time as Chastain hit a single scoring Hope and Brooke Freeman earned a walk to bring in Bradley, increasing the lead to 5-1. 

The sixth inning continued as the first batter from the inning, Phillips, returned to the dish and hit a sacrifice fly that Atamaniuk scored on. Penning's single up the middle brought in the final two runs of the game as Chastain and Freeman both scored, propelling the team to the 8-1 win to split the doubleheader.

Penning led the offense with two RBIs. Phillips pitched the complete game, striking out eight batters.

Tennessee Wesleyan (8-5, 6-4 AAC) will be back on the road for their next conference doubleheader on Thursday. The team will face Brenau University with the first game set to begin at 3:00 p.m.