Williamsburg, KY – For the first time since 2002, the Patriots softball team begins the season 3-0 after sweeping Northwestern Ohio. UC went 2-0 on day one and then for day two, won the final game 1-0 to take the series.
Talli Burgess earned the complete game shutout without allowing a walk and just four hits, while striking out one batter.
Emily Bryant led the offense with a pair of hits, including a double that led to the game's only run.
Hailey Wood,
Carly Oliver and
Bailey Turnbow all had hits in the game to give UC six in the contest.
The Racers led off the game with a single, but then a lineout to Bryant caught the runner on first leaning and she threw over to first for the double play to end the threat.
The UC defense had a three up, three down inning in the second and Burgess carried it over into the third, to record her lone strikeout of the game. The Racers did get runners to second and third, but Wood made the catch in center to keep the score at 0-0.
Bryant provided the spark in the fourth inning with a leadoff double to left center.
Maddie Sickau was the next batter and placed a sacrifice bunt down to the right side of the field. The pitcher got the ball but sailed it, allowing Bryant to score, making it a 1-0 game in favor of the Patriots.
After scoring the run, Cumberlands recorded three straight innings of retiring the batters in order. This marked the fourth inning as the last time a runner was on base for the Racers.
The 1-0 win caps the opening series for UC where they outscored the Racers 13-1 and outhitting them 25-14. The UC pitching staff left the Racers with a batting average of .206 and just one extra base hit.
Cumberlands will be back in action at the UC Softball Complex for a doubleheader against Bryan on Monday, February 13. The first game is slated for a 1PM ET start.
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