NEW CASTLE, Del. - - The Wilmington University softball team got back in the win column on Saturday, sweeping their crosstown rival Goldey-Beacom, 10-1 and 16-5, in a pair of shortened Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference games at Asbury Field.
Despite playing at Asbury Field, the Wildcats were the visitors on the scoreboard, as the doubleheader was originally scheduled to be held at Goldey-Beacom, but couldn't due to field conditions after the Friday night rains.
GAME 1:
The Wildcats (17-13, 6-2 CACC) only collected four hits in the first game but used a six-run fourth inning and a three-run fifth inning win going away, 10-1.
Starting pitcher Kylee Gunkel set the Lightning down in order in each of the first three innings, but lost the perfect game in the bottom of the fourth with a leadoff triple. She buckled down and was able to induce a fly ball, a foul out, and picked up a strikeout to leave the runner stranded at third.
Gunkel gave up a run in the fifth, but improved to 8-8 on the year with the win. She allowed a run on two hits and a walk while striking out four batters in five innings.
The scoring started in the third inning, mounting a two-out rally. Tristyn Stewart started the rally with a two out bunt base hit and then came all the way around to score as Gabbie Saucedo reached on an error.
Lauren Lopez started the fourth with a single and Sara Miller waked to put two runners on. Emma Zimmerman bunted the runners over and was able to reach on an error, scoring another run. Courtney Dellinger reaching on a bases loaded fielder's choice as Sara Miller scored and then Stewart hit a two-run single to left to give the Wildcats a 7-0 lead.
The Wildcats scored three runs all with two outs in the fifth inning to put the mercy rule in effect. Sara Miller walked with two outs and no one out before Savannah Stone walked to put two on base. Danielle Hess then scored both runners, hitting a triple to the gap in right center for the 9-0 lead. Courtney Dellinger brought in the final run on a sacrifice bunt.
GAME 2:
The bats came alive in game two, using a 10-run second inning to set the tone. Seven of the team's 13 hits came in the second inning, including two homers and a triple.
Lauren Lopez started the scoring in the top of the first with a two-out double, but the Lightning answered right back with a run in the bottom of the first.
Adriana Bueno started the top of the second inning off with a double to right center. Danielle Hess started the scoring with an RBI triple before Courtney Dellinger singled through the right side for an RBI. Haley Downin was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded to force in a run and Emma Zimmerman single back up the middle to score two more. Adriana Bueno came back up and launched a three-run homer to center. After an Arianna Millan walk, Danielle Hess stepped in and hit a two-run homer to right center, giving the Wildcats an 11-1 lead.
Adriana Bueno was back at it in the top of the fifth, hitting her second homer of the game, a two-run shot for the 15-4 lead. Arianna Millan made it back-to-back homers for the Wildcats hitting a solo shot to center to cap the Wilmington scoring, 16-4.
Renamarie Rocha went the distance, improving to 4-1 on the season. She allowed five runs, four earned, on seven hits.
Adriana Bueno went 3-for-4 with five RBI and three runs scored. Danielle Hess finished 2-for-2 with three RBI while Lauren Lopez and Courtney Dellinger added two hits each as well.
UP NEXT:
The Wildcats get right back to action on Sunday as they host Kutztown in the team's final nonconference doubleheader of the season.