Softball Defeated At Home
Salem softball competed in a home series against Carolina on Tuesday afternoon and was defeated in both by scores of 7-1 and 21-9 at Blixt Field.
Game 1:
The Bruins got the scoring going early in the top of the first, earning two runs on one hit. The Spirits were unable to strike back in the first, despite a single by Carlee Tart down the third base line. Madison Talley was a bright spot for Salem in the circle and struck two out to give the Spirits the 1-2-3 inning in the top of the second. The Spirits were able to capitalize to scratch one run across the plate with Jelene Avila putting the ball in play to score Talley. The Bruins were able to score four runs off of three hits in the third inning, however key defensive plays were made by Maleah Tate in center field.
The Spirits were held hitless and scoreless in the third, fourth, and fifth inning. Despite their struggles at the plate, their defensive efforts kept them within striking distance. Morgan Lawson made an excellent play at third to scratch the second out of the fourth inning and kept a runner from scoring. After getting two quick outs, the Bruins were able to load the bases but were held to only one run in the fifth inning. The Spirits held the Bruins scoreless in the sixth and seventh inning, however they were unable to manufacture runs of their own despite singles from Lawson, Reese Upton, and Tate.
Despite their efforts the Spirits were unable to make a comeback with the contest ending in seven innings.
Game 2:
Following the break, the Bruins picked right back up where they left off and scored six runs in the first inning off of six hits. The Spirits were unable to respond despite a single from Karma Morrison in the bottom of the first. The Bruins were able to scratch two more runs across the plate in the second with three hits. A series of bunts by Upton, Amy McLamb, Tate, Emma Greeson, and Morrison were successfully laid down to manufacture five runs in the bottom of the second. The Bruins and the Spirits were held scoreless in the third inning.
The Bruins regained momentum in the fourth inning to score seven runs on five hits. However, a strike out by Riley Dennis in the circle ended the inning. Tate singled to lead off the fourth inning for the Spirits, stole second, and was brought home to score by a single from Avila. The Bruins continued to do damage in the fifth inning scoring six more runs on six hits. The Spirits racked up three more runs of their own in the bottom of the fifth on singles from Talley, McLamb, and Aspen James.
Despite their efforts the Spirits were unable to cut into the deficit and the contest ended in five innings.
Stat Leaders:
Maleah Tate: 3 H, 2 SB, 5 PO
Amy McLamb: 2 H, 1 RBI, 1 PO
Madison Talley: 4 SO, 1 PO
Riley Dennis: 5 SO
The Spirits will next be in action in a non-conference matchup at Home vs Kenyon College on February 28th at 1pm and 3pm.
