Softball Holds off Strong Charge From Rams Tuesday
By Mike DeVader, Reinhardt Director of Athletic Communications & Media
WALESKA, Ga. – The Rams of Columbia International (S.C.) put up a valiant effort against No. 8 Reinhardt on the softball diamond Tuesday evening after pushing the Eagles to the brink of defeat in game one, but the hosts were able to come back and take the opener, 10-9, at Ken White Softball Field.
That momentum carried the hometown team to a doubleheader sweep after a 4-1 final in game two helped Reinhardt continue its hot play with a 27-5 record and an 11-1 mark inside the Appalachian Athletic Conference.
"CIU out-hit us all day and out-played us most of the day," head coach Jade Geuther said. "In the end, we had some really big at-bats from two freshmen who haven't had a bunch of playing time in Kalyn and Ashlyn; and that is a credit to them staying the course and being in mentally even when they aren't in physically.
"Lindsey was great again in the circle. It hasn't been pretty recently, but the end result is what matters… We'll keep working to get better."
Game 1, W (10-9)
- The Rams pounded out 18 hits in the opening contest and took the 1-0 lead in the fourth on a solo homer. An Emma Adams 2-RBI double and a SAC fly from Megan Huss gave the Eagles a 3-1 advantage in the bottom of the fourth, but the scoring was just beginning.
- Columbia International would roar back in the top of the fifth with seven runs on eight hits and one error to regain the upper hand on the scoreboard with an 8-3 lead. Little did the visitors know that Reinhardt was about to post six more runs in the bottom of the frame – on six hits – to storm back to the front at 9-8.
- Highlights during the at-bat included a 3-RBI knock to the opposite field by Emily Loveless and a 2-RBI single from Kalyn Jinks.
- The Rams wouldn't go down without a fight, however, as they singled down the left-field line to tie the score once again at 9-9 in the top of the seventh. A single and a walk from the Eagles helped set the stage for a walk-off, and Ashlyn Wilkes came through with the winning hit over second base.
- Reinhardt tallied 11 hits and Lindsey Shepherd got the win in relief after two innings of work.
Game 2, W (4-1)
- Game two was more fast paced as both pitchers had it working in the pair of innings.
- Scoring on both sides would come in one stanza apiece, as the Eagles tallied all four runs in the bottom of the third thanks to an Emily Loveless RBI-double, 2-run blast from Jill Martinet and a run-scoring triple off the bat of Megan Huss.
- Columbia International would continue to put pressure on the Reinhardt defense in all aspects, but the Rams couldn't break completely through the gap after getting only one run in the top of the sixth.
- Ashlyn Wilkes went 2-for-3 in the triumph.
- Lindsey Shepherd got another victory with the ball after going the first four frames and allowing just five hits.
Senior Day is up next on Sunday afternoon against the Bulldogs of Union (Ky.) beginning at Noon.
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