Softball Outlasts Brenau (Ga.) in High-Scoring Doubleheader
By Mike DeVader, Reinhardt Director of Athletic Communications & Media
Photo Courtesy of Karl Moore, Mooreshots Photos
GAINESVILLE, Ga. – It was a wild night on the diamond under the lights for Reinhardt softball on Wednesday, as the 17th-ranked Eagles came away victorious in both games against Brenau (Ga.), 13-6 and 10-7.
The hometown squad continues to rack up wins with an overall record of 33-9 and 17-5 within the Appalachian Athletic Conference as the schedule enters the final stretch.
"We had a very specific plan defensively and for our pitchers – and because there were so many hits – you'd think we didn't execute in those areas, but we did," head coach Jade Geuther said. "Brenau's offense is just that good. We knew we would have to hit with them to win tonight. I'm very proud of our composure. There was never a moment of panic, even when we were down big or late. I was brutally honest about our lack of passion and self-responsibility last weekend. The girls responded tonight and that's what we need to continue as we have another big conference matchup on Friday.
"I want to give a big mention to Alise Hooks. She has had a great career, and tonight she became the first player in our history to reach 200 career hits and 100 career RBIs. Alise just always comes, takes care of business and helps our team win. I couldn't be happier for her reaching these milestones."
A homer in the bottom of the first opened the scoring for the Golden Tigers, who held down their visitors until the top of the third inning – where Reinhardt jumped ahead, 2-1 – following a wild throw that scored a pair.
Brenau was right back in front in the bottom of the third after four tallies, three of which came on a homer. Now behind, 5-2, the Eagles exploded for seven runs on six hits and a pair of miscues. Scoring plays included a Megan Huss RBI-single, an error, another single (Jill Martinet), a 2-run blast by Emma Adams, a tally on field obstruction and another error.
Another homer in the bottom of the fourth frame by the Golden Tigers got the deficit back to 9-6, but four more runs in the top of the seventh put the game away for the hometown club – another RBI from Adams, an additional fielding error and two bases-loaded walks – rounded out the scoring.
Reinhardt collected 13 hits total, and Adams was 3-for-5 with a pair of runs scored (one of four players). Three teammates also earned two hits apiece in the opening win.
Reagen Radke (winner) and Ansley Byers teamed up in the circle with a combined four strikeouts.
Twenty-eight hits between the two clubs took place in game two, as Brenau looked to be in complete control at 4-0 (second) and 6-1 after three innings. Little by little, however, the lead started to shrink and then evaporated after the Eagles scored in the final five frames; including three runs in the fifth and sixth, followed by two more in the seventh.
Emily Loveless got the needle moving in the top of the third with a solo homer to center field, and then Kyrstyn Fisher brought in a run in the fourth to get the deficit to 6-2. Three more tallies followed in the fifth, including a Martinet RBI and a hit-by-pitch.
Now behind, 6-5, another Martinet RBI-single tied the score in the sixth. Adams then completed the comeback with a 2-run shot to left for an 8-6 lead. A sacrifice fly in the bottom of the frame kept the pressure on the visitors, but Reinhardt came through with two more runs (Fisher single and another bases-loaded walk) to wrap up the sweep.
Megan Huss was 3-for-5 with a pair of runs scored, while five other Eagles accumulated two hits each.
Ally Andriano (win) and Whitney Shepherd (save) combined efforts in the circle to complete the second matchup with seven strikeouts.
The final doubleheader of the season at home takes place on Friday at Noon against Kentucky Christian.
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For more information on Reinhardt Softball, please click here.