DELAND, Fla. — Bellarmine softball rode an impressive performance from pitcher
Claire Lehmkuhler and a solid offensive showing from
Harlie Bickett to a 3-2 victory over the Stetson Hatters, but were unable to repeat the performance in game two, falling 8-0 in game two at Patricia Wilson Field in DeLand, Fla.
With today's results, Bellarmine's record now stands at 11-16 overall and 3-2 in ASUN conference play. Stetson moves to 11-19 overall and 2-3 in ASUN play.
Game One
The Knights jumped on the Hatters early in the first game, as a
Chloe Collins double allowed Bickett to get to third base before a wild pitch led to Bickett stealing home for the first run of the afternoon at the top of the first inning.
The game then became a pitchers' duel, as Lehmkuhler and Stetson's Lauren Hobbs did not give up any ground for the next four and a half innings. Stetson tied it up in the bottom of the sixth on an RBI single after the runner stole second and advanced to third on a SAC bunt.
Not to be outdone, the Knights retook the lead for good in the top of the seventh. After
Kayla Bauer advanced to first after being hit by a pitch,
Brooke Shewmaker hit a single to second base and she and Bauer were able to reach second and third base, respectively after a throwing error by Stetson. Bickett then sent them both home with an RBI triple down the right field line to give the Knights a 3-1 lead.
A Bellarmine fielding error allowed the Hatters to cut the lead to 3-2 in the bottom of the seventh.
Nicole Waters was able to turn away their bid to tie the game, putting out a runner at home unassisted on a SAC bunt attempt.
Selena Zuniga was then able to strike out the final batter in relief of Lehmkuhler to give the Knights the game one win.
Game Two
Stetson fired the first shot of the second game on an RBI single up the middle in the bottom of the second inning. The Knights struggled to get the bats going in the second game with their only opportunities for runs in the first four innings coming from two walks and a Hatters fielding error. With Stetson threatening to add to their lead in the bottom of the fourth,
Carson Goatley came on in relief for Zuniga and managed to throw a strikeout with the bases loaded.
After Stetson added another run in the top of the sixth, Bickett delivered Bellarmine's first hit of the second game on a single to the pitcher. She was then able to steal second, but the Knights could not take advantage as Collins popped up to the pitcher for the third out of the inning.
The floodgates opened after that. Following back-to-back walks, a single on a bunt turned into two scored runs following a throwing error. Zuniga came back into the game following a double to left field, but was unable to mitigate the damage, as the Hatters scored four more runs in the inning to end the game.
The Knights and Hatters will take the field again in DeLand to decide the series tomorrow at noon ET.
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