HARTSVILLE, S.C. – The Emory & Henry University Softball Team (22-18, 6-8 SAC) bounced back in a big way, earning a sweep over the Cobras for 2 much needed South Atlantic conference wins.
The Basics
GAME ONE – Emory & Henry 7, Coker 2
GAME TWO – Emory & Henry 4, Coker 3
LOCATION – Hartsville, South Carolina
VENUE – Saleeby-Stokes Softball Field
RECORDS – Emory & Henry (22-18 6-8 SAC); Coker (10-22 2-12 SAC)
Game One – Emory & Henry 7, Coker 2
It was all Wasps through the first 4 frames of Game 1. The scoring started early and came often, Rachel Hill (Stanardsville, Va.) walked to begin the day and would then score on a wild pitch to put E&H in front. One batter later Hannah Booth (Longwood, Fla.) singled through the middle to bring home Abigail Street (Glade Spring, Va.). Coker was forced to go to the bullpen early after Tristyn Tofano (Roanoke, Va.) drew a walk. Karsen Simpson (Salisbury, N.C.) scored the final run of the inning off of an infield single that pushed Booth across home plate, making the score 3-0.
Emory & Henry were just getting started, Sawyer Tolley (Bedford, Va.) would draw another walk this time with the bases loaded to secure the free base and RBI. Tofano sent a ball to deep right field that would fall short of the fence but would be deep enough for Street to tag up and extend the Wasps's lead to 5. Laila Rodriguez (Virginia Beach, Va.) was first to get on the basepaths in the 3rd with a single to right field and then immediately stole second, adding to her top ten in conference stolen base total. Hill then stepped up to the plate and laced a ball to right center to earn the RBI triple, making the score 6-0 after frames.
The Cobras scored their first and only runs of the game in the bottom of the 4th. One run came from an RBI single and the second came from a fielder's choice. E&H added one more run to their total in the top of the 6th coming from another sacrifice fly, this time hit by Booth that would bring in Rodriguez. Senior Malorie Reeves (Galax, Va.) once again pitched a gem in the circle, only allowing 4 hits total and 2 earned runs.
Game Two – Emory & Henry 4, Coker 3
Game 2 was more back and forth between the two programs. Bailey Payne (Fairview, N.C.) got the starting nod in the circle in Game 2 and she took advantage. Payne went 4 innings allowing 3 hits, 3 runs and striking out 3 Cobras. The Wasps jumped out to the early lead again with a double from Tolley that pushed Street across home plate for the 1-0 advantage. Coker got on the board in their half of the inning with an RBI single down the right field line knotting things up at 1.
Coker would strike again in the bottom of the 3rd with a solo shot giving the Cobras the lead. One inning later Coker tacked on another run, scoring from a wild pitch that gave them their biggest lead of the day at 3-1. The lead would be short lived, in the very next half inning Kali Cook (Elkin, N.C.) and Rodriguez singled, setting the table for Rachel Hill. Hill blasted a pitch over the fence for a 3 run home run to give the Wasps the 4-3 lead. Coker couldn't manage any more runs from their offense and Emory & Henry would hold on for the 4-3 win and sweep of the Cobras.
Up Next
The Wasps return home to Wasps Field on Saturday, April 11th to take on the Newberry Wolves in conference action. First pitch is set for 1PM and 3PM.
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