Mars Hill falls in extra innings versus Lees-McRae
The Mars Hill softball team (7-4) fell to Lees-McRae (3-5) in extra innings to open up the Lander Round Robin on Friday afternoon by a score of 2-1.
GREENWOOD, S.C. - The Mars Hill softball team (7-4) fell to Lees-McRae (3-5) in extra innings to open up the Lander Round Robin on Friday afternoon by a score of 2-1.
After five scoreless innings, both teams were able to get on the board in the sixth. The Bobcats led off the inning by drawing a walk to place Bryanna Thomas on base. A sacrifice bunt allowed Thomas to get into scoring position. While Noel Cassidy was up to bat, a wild pitch allowed Thomas to get to third base. Cassidy later grounded out to second, allowing the first run of the game to be scored and give Lees-McRae the lead.
In the bottom half of the inning, Mars Hill knotted the game. Casey Stanek led off the inning by drawing a walk and later advanced to second when Hannah Smith reached first. With both baserunners being substituted - Ann Marie Gooch for Stanek and Shae Condon for Smith- and one out, a single by Jordan Harris allowed Gooch to score to tie the game at one.
With one out in the top of the second, Katie Robinson hit a double to get into scoring position. Following Lauren Hudgens getting on base and advancing Robinson to third, Stanek was able to strike out the last two Bobcats' batters to get out of the inning.
Lees-McRae started the top of the eighth with Sarah Beth Thomas on second. Bryanna Thomas grounded out, but a throwing error allowed Sarah Beth Thomas to round third and score the go-ahead and eventual game-winning run.
The Lions, following a sacrifice bunt, had a runner on third with a chance to tie the game, but an infield popout and groundout secured the victory for Lees-McRae.
Cassidy Largen allowed one run on five hits in the complete game victory. Despite striking out eight, Stanek suffered the loss, allowing two runs on four hits.
The originally scheduled second contest of the day versus Lander was canceled.
Mars Hill returns to action on Saturday, March 2nd when they take on Lees-McRae at 1:30 p.m. and conclude the Lander Round Robin by taking on the Bearcats at 4:30 p.m.