Williamsburg, KY – The #9 Patriots hosted Bryan College inside the UC Softball Complex for a single game, mid-week matchup. The UC Coaching Staff, consisting of Assistant Head Coach Alyssa Richards and Head Coach Bailey Dillender, picked up their 200th career win as the Patriots move to an 18-4 overall record.
PLAY-BY-PLAY
The Pats continued their first inning charm sparked by a one-out walk from Amber Gainer. After swiping second and advancing on a throwing error, Amber Gainer sits in scoring position with Jade Gainer at the plate. An RBI single to short from Jade Gainer put UC ahead 1-0 at the bottom of the first. In the top of the second, Pitcher Lindsey Shope recorded two big strikeouts to end the Lions' threat. The bottom of the third saw UC put the ball in play, but the Lions were able to keep them at bay.
The top of the third featured Shope's third strikeout of the day, sending the Pats back on offense. Back at the plate, Carly Oliver reached first on an error where an Amber Gainer hit by pitch moved the runner into scoring position. A single to short from Jade Gainer loaded the bases followed by a sacrifice fly from Makenzie Keatts to elevate UCs led to 2-0.
In the fourth and fifth inning, Shope continued to serve routine plays for the Patriots defense. She produced four fly balls, one grounded, and recorded an additional strikeout. The top of the sixth saw the Lions record one run on two hits, but Cumberlands quickly responded with a leadoff Bailey Turnbow single to left field. Turnbow stole second to move into running position where a clutch pinch-hit double to left center from Alyssa Gent gave UC an insurance run, 3-0. Pitcher Talli Burgess came on in relief to shut down the side and secure the 3-0 victory over the Lions.
LEADERS
Leading the way offensively, Jade Gainer was 2-3 at the plate with one RBI followed by Oliver who was 1-4 with one run. Keatts was 1-1 at the plate with one RBI and one walk.
Pitcher Shope recorded her seventh win of the season after tossing 5.1 innings and recording four strikeouts. Pitcher Burgess was awarded the save after recording two strikeouts over 1.2 innings.
The Patriots will remain in the UC Softball Complex for the conference opener against Bethel (TN) on Friday and Saturday, March 15-16. Game times on Friday, March 15 are slated for 3:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m.
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