COLUMBUS, Ga. - - The Wilmington University softball team finished the NFCA Leadoff Classic with another split on Saturday, falling to Columbus State, 7-3, but bouncing back and defeating Wingate, 5-1, in the nightcap at the South Commons Complex.
GAME 1:
Columbus State threw the first punch with a two-run third, but the Wildcats answered right back. Taylor Gillis started the bottom of the third with a double and then Lexi Moore brought her in with a single through the left side, cutting the deficit in half.
Gabriela Saucedo started the bottom of the fourth with a double and then Columbus State got sloppy with the ball, throwing it around the diamond. Saucedo scored on an errant throw off the bat of Jess Reed and then Reed scored as Tristyn Stewart forced a throwing error by the catcher, giving the Wildcats the 3-2 lead.
But Columbus State answered right back, scoring three in the top of the fifth by using three hits, including a leadoff triple. Renamarie Rocha came on in relief and left the bases loaded, escaping further damage.
The Wildcats left two runners on in each the fifth and sixth innings, unable to come up with the run-scoring hit. Columbus State tacked on two more in the seventh to conclude the scoring.
Taylor Gillis and Lexi Moore each had two hits atop the Wildcats' lineup. Delanie Sheehan went the first 4.1 in the circle, allowing three runs on five hits.
GAME 2:
Four runs in their final two at-bats propelled the Wildcats to a game two victory, leaving the NFCA Leadoff Classic with a 2-2 record. The Wildcats scored in the bottom of the first and but Wingate tied the game with a solo run in the fifth.
Haley Downin roped a two-out RBI single in the bottom of the first to start the scoring, plating Moore who walked and stole second. From there, Kylee Gunkel was able to keep a clean sheet until the fifth inning. A leadoff walk came around to score, but Gunkel was able to lead two runners on to keep the game tied, 1-1.
With Saucedo and Reed on base in the bottom of the fifth, Bri Coyle came up with a pinch-hit RBI single to break the tie. Taylor Gillis followed with another RBI single and the Wildcats had breathing room, 3-1.
Gunkel set the Bulldogs down in order in the sixth, and then Emma Zimmerman came up big with a two-out, two-run double to right for two more insurance runs. Tristyn Stewart and Delani Sheehan scored on the play.
Kylee Gunkel then completed the game with a 1-2-3 bottom of the seventh to earn the win.
Six different Wildcats had hits with Zimmerman's two RBI leading the way. Gunkel improved to 2-0 on the year while allowing only one run on two hits and four walks.
UP NEXT:
The Wildcats continue moving farther south as they prepare for a week in the Sunshine State starting on Monday. They play four Florida teams throughout the week, starting with Saint Leo on Monday at 5:00 p.m.
