SMC Softball Takes Two from UPIKE

Pitching set the tone in game one, and a seven-run fifth inning in game two—following a rain delay—powered Spartanburg Methodist College to a doubleheader sweep of the University of Pikeville on Saturday.

The Pioneers claimed a 3-0 victory in game one and held on for a 7-6 win in game two to complete the sweep of the Bears, who had not been swept in over a month (since March 3). The sweep marks SMC's eighth of the season and improves its record to 24-9 overall and 7-7 in Appalachian Athletic Conference play.

Game One
SMC starter Bailey Kiser improved to 13-4 on the season, tossing her 13th complete game and sixth shutout. She struck out five batters, surpassing 100 strikeouts on the season for the second time in her career.

Offensively, the Pioneers struck early with two runs in the first inning and added an insurance run in the fourth to secure the 3-0 win. Five different players recorded hits, while Grace Thomas and Lauren Ballew each drove in a run.

Game Two
The Pioneers trailed 3-0 through four and a half innings before erupting in the fifth. After a rain delay impacted play, SMC capitalized with a seven-run inning on four hits.

The rally began with the bases loaded. Following a pop out, SMC plated its first two runs on consecutive bases-loaded walks. Adriana Stump-Frias and Gracie Starnes then delivered back-to-back two-RBI doubles to give the Pioneers a 6-3 lead. A groundout later in the inning brought home Starnes to cap the scoring at seven runs.

Pikeville mounted a late push in the top of the seventh, scoring three runs and placing the tying run on second base. However, the comeback attempt was halted when Saleena Rollins made a diving catch in center field to end the game and secure the sweep.

Starnes and Carson McCowan led the offense with two hits each, while Kaylin Otey earned her second win of the season with a complete-game effort.

SMC returns to action Tuesday with a home doubleheader against Brenau, beginning at 1 p.m.