Lions fall in tight battles versus Flying Fleet

DUE WEST, S.C. - The Mars Hill softball team (1-2) fell to Erskine (2-0) in both contests Tuesday afternoon by scores of 4-2 and 4-3, respectively, on the road in non-conference play.

GAME ONE: EC 4, MHU 2

After one inning, the teams were tied at one.  The Flying Fleet broke out for three runs in the second stanza, highlighted by Faith Belue's RBI single to give Erskine the 2-1 lead.  A sacrifice fly from Katie Hunter plated Mariah Yoder for the game-winning run.

Scoreless for the next three innings, Maggie Langheim's solo home run to right field cut the deficit to two in the top of the sixth.  Erskine's Hannah Houge locked the game down, striking out four of the last six Lions' batters to secure the Flying Fleet's first win of the year.

Houge struck out 12 and only allowed two runs on four hits for the complete game victory.  Kayla Gallagher allowed four runs on five hits, striking out two in her Lions' debut.

GAME TWO: EC 4, MHU 3

The Lions found themselves trailing 1-0 after the first inning, but rallied for three runs in the top of the third.  Danielle Harris tied the game with a RBI single that allowed Maegan Blair to score.  A Flying Fleet error saw Micki Maxson cross home and with the bases loaded, a walk drawn by Ashley Evans saw the Lions go up 3-1 entering the bottom half of the frame.

Shi Cain put a dent in the Lions' lead with a solo home run to right field.  Erskine, in the bottom of the fourth, struck twice with RBI singles from Faith Belue and Kali Morton to come from behind and complete the sweep.

Morton also picked up the win, allowing two hits and striking out six in four innings.  Marissa Adame struck out 11 in her second appearance of the season, allowing four runs on five hits in six innings pitched.

The Lions return to action on Saturday, February 13 as they take part in the Brianna Surrento Kickoff Classic when they face Georgia College.  The doubleheader is slated for a 3 p.m. first pitch.