Birmingham, Ala.—In the second day of the Birmingham Southern Classic, the Mount Softball program, split games. The first game of the afternoon came against the #1 Nationally ranked DePauw, the second game was a clash with LeTourneau. With the weekend split the Lions record now sits at an even (2-2) on the year.
Game One: #13 MSJ 2, #1 Depauw 1
In the first game on Sunday afternoon the Lions played top ranked Depauw. This game would be competitive the whole way through, seeing the first six innings of play end in shutouts. Fast forwarding to the top of the seventh, the away Tigers earned the first score of the game.
Trailing by one in the bottom of the seventh the Lions quickly struck back. Catcher, Elizabeth Ivers would be hit by a pitch to start the inning, serving as the game tying run. On the next two at-bats the Tigers would collect outs, while Alyssa Whitmer, who pinch ran for Ivers advanced to third base. This series would bring Rachel Gabbard to the plate, Gabbard would single into left field, to bring the tying run across the plate. Now the go-ahead run on base, Kaci Finchum approached the batters box, recording a walk-off double to secure the win for the Lions.
In this game Pitcher Kamryn McCool was electric, pitching seven full innings. In this outing she surrendered only one run and racking up four strike-outs. This performance was good for her first win of the season.
Game Two: LeTourneau 5, MSJ 3
The Lions gave their best efforts in their final game of the weekend, jumping off to an early 3 run lead, before LeTourneau would plate two in the following half-inning. Then LeTourneau would pour on three runs in the bottom of the sixth to close the door on the Lions.
The scoring began for the Lions in the top of the first inning. It was Ivers driving in a runner at third with a sacrifice fly. The top of the second provided the most production for the Lions, as Finchum would draw a two-out walk, accompanied by an Ali Lang single. On Langs single to left field, there would be a bad throw, getting the ball into the infield allowing both to advance. This set the stage for Freshman Macey Staley who would single into center field, an earning two RBI's. This would serve as the last scoring opportunity for the Lions, as they would fall-short 5-3.
With opening weekend in behind the Softball program, they now turn their attentions to their second trip to Alabama in as many weeks. Starting on Saturday, February 26 the Lions will play Millsaps College(10AM) and later that afternoon take on Huntingdon College (2PM). These games will be played in Montgomery, Alabama. For continued coverage of this upcoming weekend series and all other MSJ Athletics, continue to follow msjlions.com
