Softball Takes Split Against NCAA Division III Wesleyan (Ga.)
By Mike DeVader, Reinhardt Director of Athletic Communications & Media
Photo Courtesy of Greg Spell/G-RoxPhotos.com
WALESKA, Ga. – A Wolves homer in the top of the seventh kept NCAA Division III Wesleyan (Ga.) alive and ultimately provided enough momentum for the upset in game one over NAIA No. 21 Reinhardt, 3-2 (nine innings), but the Eagles were able to rebound to split the doubleheader, 10-2, in five frames.
"I'm not sure we played well enough to win either game today, so we are grateful to get one," head coach Jade Geuther said. "We have to throw today away and be ready to play in the conference tomorrow."
The hometown team (15-9) got a run in the bottom of the fourth in what proved-to-be a pitcher's duel on a Brooke Ramey double to deep left-center for a 1-0 advantage. Ansley Byers started and shined in the circle, but gave the ball up to Reagen Radke for a save opportunity in the top of the seventh frame.
Byers would re-enter the contest just one batter later after the Wolves tied the score at 1-1 with a leadoff blast to center. Wesleyan took the lead for the first time with an RBI-double in the eighth, but Reinhardt forced extras once again after Lauren Parker brought in a teammate on a single.
The scoring would continue in the top of the ninth after the Wolves got another RBI on a hit up the middle. The Eagles put the pressure on their hosts in the bottom of the ninth with two runners in scoring position – down by one tally – but Megan Huss lined into a double play to end the game.
Parker went 2-for-4 in the opener and Byers got strapped with the loss after nine cumulative innings and three strikeouts.
An eight-spot in the bottom of the fourth blew the second outing wide open after Reinhardt touched home plate eight times after pounding out eight hits. Wesleyan ultimately opened the scoring with an RBI-double in the second, but watched the lead evaporate in the bottom of the frame on a leadoff deep fly from Emma Adams.
The Eagles would then explode in the fourth on five doubles that brought in runners and a 2-RBI single. The contest was primed to end early, but the Wolves came through with an RBI-double with two outs to bring Reinhardt back to the plate in the bottom of the fifth.
Olivia Jacobs (2-for-3) would send the fans home happy after she scored from third base on a wild pitch.
Adams went 3-for-3 with a pair of RBIs and two runs scored. Ramey also collected two hits and two RBIs in the triumph.
Ally Andriano went five innings and stuck out eight batters in the rubber match.
The team looks to turn it around in Appalachian Athletic Conference play tomorrow afternoon at home against St. Andrews (N.C.).
First pitch of the doubleheader is slated for 1 p.m.
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