Runs Come Pouring in Late in Two-Game Sweep at Columbia (S.C.)
By Mike DeVader, Reinhardt Director of Athletic Communications & Media
COLUMBIA, S.C. – Reinhardt softball continued its winning ways on Thursday afternoon – this time on the road in the Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC) opener – as the Eagles earned a pair of positive outcomes over the Koalas of Columbia (S.C.), 11-1 and 9-1 (6 innings).
The hometown squad is now 10-2 overall (2-0 AAC).
"Things didn't go our way to start our travel day and it showed in game one," head coach Jade Geuther said. "Besides Megan and Emily, we were less-than-stellar, but those two were big enough to carry us to the victory. We played much better in game two; an all-around game. Their freshman pitcher had us fooled with her off-speed for a few innings, but we made adjustments the second and third time through the lineup.
"It's huge to start the conference season off this way, and we are excited to get home, get some rest and get back after it on Sunday."
How it Happened
Emily Loveless had two homers and a double with 7 RBIs in the opening win against the Columbia. Additionally, Megan Huss went 3-for-4 from the lead-off spot as the offense totaled 12 hits, and in the circle, Reagen Radke earned a complete-game win with another dominant performance (nine strikeouts and a pair of walks).
Four Eagles registered two-or-more knocks in the 11-1 triumph.
The sweep was complete over the Koalas after Jill Martinet hit two bombs in game two with 4 RBIs. Emma Adams also joined in the fun with a double and another home run for Reinhardt as it run-ruled its hosts, 9-1, in six innings.
The Eagles only needed tallies in two frames – the third (2) and sixth (7) – to come away with a 2-0 record on the day.
As a team, the visitors put up another 10 hits on offense, and defensively, committed no errors in the field.
Conversely, Columbia had four miscues that aided in the defeat at home.
From the rubber, Whitney Shepherd got the win with a trio of strikeouts and no walks in six innings pitched.
It's back home to the comfortable confines of Ken White Softball Field on Sunday afternoon for a doubleheader beginning at Noon against Rio Grande (Ohio).
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