MYRTLE BEACH, SC
The UMPI Softball team took to the diamond for their 8th and 9th games of their spring trip and it would be six games in the last three days. The Owls dropped two close ones the day prior and hoped to end the trip on a high note. Despite their defense and pitching making huge strides, their competitiveness wasn't enough to get them in the win-column before their flight home tomorrow. The Owls dropped game one to Mount Aloysius College 4-1, and game two of the day to Hartwick College 4-0.
Game 1: (4-1 Mounties)
How it Happened:
The Mounties got on the board first, with a run to start the game, but UMPI worked out of a jam to limit the damage, as MAC stranded runners on second and third and scored just the one, despite bringing six batters to the plate. They rallied again in the second inning however, scoring twice to go up 3-0 after two.
The Owls had a stroke of bad luck in the third inning. Sierra Bryant singled hard up the middle to start the frame, but an outstanding diving catch on a bunt attempt by the Mounties' first baseman resulted in a double play.
With the bases empty and two outs, the Owls refused to roll over on the inning. They fired off three straight base hits, from the top of their order. Gracelyn Walsh brought Emma McNally in on a close play at the plate. The one run was all they could muster however, as a fielder's choice ended the frame.
The Mounties answered in the bottom of the third to take a 4-1 lead. From there, the Mounties slammed the door shut on the game. They retired 12 of the next 13 batters which included three, 1-2-3 innings. The Owls kept the Mounties off the board, but the early lead proved too much, with Mt. Aloysius taking the game 4-1.
At the Plate:
Emma McNally set the tone offensively from the leadoff spot, going 2-3, and scoring the only run. Gracelyn Walsh went 1-2 with a walk, and the lone RBI. Zoe Stewart, and Sierra Bryant had the other two base hits for the Owls, as they finished with five.
In the Circle:
It was the best outing of the year for the Owls' starter Megan Bucholz who took the loss. She went the distance, tossing six innings. She allowed 10 hits and three earned runs, and only walked one batter, while striking out two.
Game 2: (4-0 Hawks)
How it Happened:
Unlike yesterday against Hartwick College, the Hawks took an early lead this time. They put up one run in each of the first three innings, and could have done more damage, but the Owls forced them to strand one in each of those.
The Owls managed three hits in those first three frames, but found themselves trailing and unable to produce timely hitting and bring runners in. The somewhat comfortable lead grew, when the Hawks put up one more in the 5th inning.
The Hawks cruised to a victory in what was a very fast moving game as both pitchers worked quickly. All of a sudden it was too late for UMPI, as Hartwick coasted to the 4-0 win.
At the Plate:
UMPI put up seven hits as a team, their most since their 10 hits in the win over Martin Luther College back on March 16th. Despite that fact, they were still shutout as timeliness proved to be more important for this game in the end. Sabrina Kauffman led the offense, going 2-3. Everybody in the lineup had three at bats as Hartwick didn't allow any walks. Emma McNally, Gracelyn Walsh, Megan Bucholz, Avery VonKadich and Abby Doughty all had one hit, for that team total of seven.
In the Circle:
Gracelyn Walsh threw the whole way and had another quality outing without any walks. She finished with six innings of work, allowing eight hits and four earned runs. She struck out five hitters as well.
Next Up:
UMPI finishes their Myrtle Beach trip 1-10 overall and will look to get back in the win column next weekend. After some much needed time off, they will return to action on Saturday, March 29th at Bay Path in Longmeadow, Massachusetts.
