GAFNEY, SC – The Emmanuel Softball team traveled to Gafney, SC to take on Limestone University in a mid-week doubleheader today, The Saints got off to a hot start, defeating the Lions 9-2 in game one and followed that up with a 4-3 victory in game two of the series, With the loss, the Lions fall to 3-8 on the season and the Saints improve to 8-1.
GAME ONE –
In game one of the double-header, the Saints started off the action in the bottom of the first, scoring two runs on three hits and leaving two on base.
The Lions responded in the top of the second.
Jaryn Gibson started things off with a walk and advanced to second on a single by
Lexi Jordan.
Kinsley Goolsby reached on a fielder's choice, with Jordan out at second, to make it runners on first and third for
Aggie Bennett. Bennett struck out swinging but reached first on an error by the catcher, advancing Goolsby to second and scoring Gibson. This cut the Saints lead in half, making it 2-1 Limestone. In the bottom of the second, the Saints answered with two runs on two hits and an error, to take a 4-1 lead.
After a scoreless third, the Lions bats got going in the fourth. Jordan started off with a single, stealing second.
Gabby Buffington followed that up with a single up the middle, both runners advanced on a throw, Bennett was hit by a pitch to load the bases.
Isabel Harrison reached on a fielder's choice, with Jordan getting put out at home.
Ellee Varner reached on a fielding error, scoring Buffington (unearned) to cut the lead to 4-2 Limestone.
The Saints got a run back on one hit and an error in the bottom half ot the inning to take a 5-2 lead.
Limestone added onto their lead in the bottom of the 5
th, scoring two runs on two hits to take a 7-2 lead.
In the bottom half of the 6
th, the Saints added two more onto their lead to take a 9-2 lead, which would be the final score.
At the plate,
Lexi Jordan led the way going 3-3.
Maddie Edwards got the start for the Lions on the mound and pitched a full game. She gave up 9 runs on 10 hits and struck out 2.
GAME TWO –
In game two, the Saints got off to a quick start again scoring a run on one hit in the first to take a 1-0 lead.
After a scoreless second, Limestone added to their lead with two runs on one hit in the third to make it 3-0.
The Lions got their bats going in the fourth inning.
Jaryn Gibson reached on a fielding error by the 3
rdbaseman.
Alyssa Adams followed that up with a double, advancing Gibson to third. Runners advanced on a passed ball, with Gibson scoring to get the Lions on the board, 3-1 Limestone.
Gabby Buffington kept things going with a home-run to clear the bases and tie the game at 3-3.
After a few scoreless innings by both teams, the Saints scored a run on two hits and an error in the bottom of the 7
th to make it 4-3.
Ellee Varner and
Abigail Curry led the way for the Lions with 2 hits apiece.
Macy Kelley pitched for the Lions in game two, giving up 4 runs on 5 hits.
The two teams will face off for a third time on Friday at 10AM as a part of a tournament hosted by Lander University,
For more information on Emmanuel University athletics, visit goeulions.com.
