Gulf Shores, AL – The Patriots traveled to compete in the Gulf Shores Classic for three days of top-ranked, competitive games. Due to weather conditions, Day One of the Classic was cancelled but Day Two saw UC face off against #12 University of Mobile and Louisiana State University Alexandria. The Pats split the day, falling short 3-0 to the #12 Rams and soaring past LSUA, 4-1. Cumberlands sits at an overall record of 13-4.
GAME ONE: PATRIOTS FALL SHORT AGAINST RAMS, 3-0
Through the first few innings of play,
Morgan Radford and the Patriots found themselves amongst a pitcher's dual. In the first inning,
Morgan Radford recorded a ground ball, a fly ball, and a strikeout to send the Pats to the plate. An
Amber Gainer hit by pitch put a runner on first, but UC was unable to score her. In the top of the second,
Morgan Radford struck again with a quick one, two, three inning. In the bottom of the second, a walk from
Bailey Turnbow paired with a single to second from
Aniyah White put runners on first and second. However, the Pats were unable to push a run across the plate.
Morgan Radford continued to dominate in the circle, recording three quick outs to send UC back to the plate. Offensively, Cumberlands continued to put the ball in play but was unable to find a gap. In the fourth inning, the Rams scored all three of their runs on a pair of hits to take a 3-0 advantage over the Pats. The bottom of the fourth saw Turnbow with a single to right center but was unable to capitalize on presented opportunities. Cumberlands' defense held the Rams at bay heading into the bottom of the fifth. A walk from
Carly Oliver in the fifth put a runner on first, but UC closed the inning before pushing a run across the board.
In the top of the sixth, the Rams threatened once again with runners on the corner but a crucial groundout to the pitcher shut the door and sent UC to the plate for a late rally. In the bottom of the sixth, Atkins reached base by capitalizing on defensive errors by the Rams, but a fielder's choice play rid the Pats of hope. In the seventh inning,
Morgan Radford sealed the Rams' fate with strikeout and two ground balls. With one final attempt,
Morgan Radford reached first on a line drive to left center but ultimately was not enough as UC fell 3-0.
GAME ONE LEADERS
Turnbow, White, and
Morgan Radford each tallied one hit apiece. Turnbow and Oliver each recorded a walk.
GAME TWO: PATRIOTS STUN THE GENERALS, 4-1
In game two, White sparked the momentum for Cumberlands with a diving grab behind third base and turned a double play with Bryant to send UC to the plate. The Pats scored early in the top of the second on an
Emily Bryant double to right center combined with a clutch RBI single from White with two outs on the board. A walk from
Morgan Radford and Oliver hit by pitch loaded the bases, followed by
Amber Gainer showing strong plate disciple and recording an RBI walk, elevating the Pats to 2-0 at the end of the second inning. Pitcher
Lindsey Shope recorded three routine plays to send Cumberlands back on offense.
UC struck once again in the top of the fourth, initiated by a
Morgan Radford walk who advanced on a ground ball from Oliver. With two outs and a runner on second,
Amber Gainer marked her second RBI of the evening with a single to center field. She quickly followed by swiping second to move her into scoring position. A timely RBI single from
Jade Gainer sent another runner across the plate to raise UC to a 4-0 lead.
Shope continued to be a force to be reckoned with along with a strong defensive team to back her. In the bottom of the fourth, a diving play from
Amber Gainer prevented a runner from reaching base and sent the Pats back on offense. In the top of the fifth, a
Kaysee Dale single to left field and Turnbow single put two runners aboard for the Patriots. A passed ball advanced both runners into scoring position, but a heads up play by the Generals prevented another run from scoring. The bottom of the fifth saw the Generals score their lone run of the game on a pair of hits, but UC still led 4-1. In the sixth inning,
Talli Burgess came in for relief and served up a double play ball with Oliver and Turnbow to close the inning. In the top of the seventh, UC recorded three quick outs on a ground out and two fly balls to secure the 4-1 victory over the Generals.
GAME TWO LEADERS
Dale led the way offensively, going 2-2 at the plate while Turnbow went 2-4 at the plate.
Amber Gainer was 1-3 at the plate with two RBIs and one run while
Jade Gainer was 1-3 at the plate with one RBI.
Pitcher Shope recorded the win after tossing five full innings and only allowing one run.
The Patriots will remain in Gulf Shores for one final game against Columbia College (MO) on Sunday, March 3
rd with a game time set for 9:00 a.m.
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