Williamsburg, KY – The #4 Patriots recorded their fifth consecutive MSC Series sweep against Lindsey Wilson College inside the UC Softball Complex. UC recorded a 6-5 walk-off victory in game three of the series, followed by an 8-0 run-rule victory in game four. Cumberlands recorded 14 runs on 25 hits while the pitching staff recorded nine strikeouts on the day. The Patriots now sit at on overall record of 39-4 and an MSC record of 20-0.
GAME ONE: PATRIOTS WALK OFF BLUE RAIDERS, 6-5
In the first inning, pitcher Talli Burgess was dubbed the start and record three straight strikeouts to open the game. Offensively, Carly Oliver opened the game with a leadoff solo shot over the left center field fence to put Cumberlands ahead 1-0. An Amber Gainer double down the left field line paired followed by an RBI triple from Makenzie Keatts tacks on another run for the Pats. Keatts triple records her fifth triple of the season, making her the single season triples record holder. Following behind Keatts, Amber Atkins produces an RBI double to center field to garner a 3-0 Patriots lead. Emily Bryant caps off the first inning with an RBI single ripped up the middle to give UC a 4-0 advantage.
The Blue Raiders record their first hit of the game in the top of the second, but Burgess served up routine plays to the Pats defense to hold them scoreless. Both teams worked through a pitchers' duel through the top of the fourth inning. Cumberlands added to their lead in the bottom of the fourth, sparked by a two-out single to third base from Amber Gainer before swiping second. A Jade Gainer RBI single through the 5-6 hole saw Amber Gainer cross the plate to elevate Cumberlands 5-0 at the end of the fourth frame.
Back on defense, the Patriots continued to hold the Blue Raiders scoreless as Burgess recorded her fifth strikeout. The bottom of the fifth saw a leadoff single from Keatts and a stolen base, but Cumberlands was unable to add to their lead. In the top of the sixth, the Blue Raiders tied the game with five runs on five hits. Moving into the bottom of the sixth, UC saw a double through the 5-6 hole from Oliver and an Amber Gainer hit by pitch, but unable to capitalize.
With the game tied and in the top of the seventh, the Blue Raiders recorded a walk and moved the runner to third with a sacrifice bunt and groundout. With two outs and a runner on third, a crucial fly out from relief pitcher Kaitlyn Schofield shuts the door on the Blue Raiders and gives Cumberlands a chance to walk it off. The bottom of the seventh was sparked by a two-out Bryant single to center field. White steps up to the plate and rips a double to the left center field gap, seeing Bryant go from first to home and recording the 6-5 walk-off victory and secure the series!
LEADERS
Leading the way offensively, Keatts went 3-4 at the plate with one RBI and one run while Oliver was 2-4 at the plate with one RBI and one run. Amber Gainer went 2-3 at the plate with two runs followed by Bryant who was 2-4 with one RBI and one run.
Pitcher Schofield collects her sixth win of the season after coming in for relief and tossing 1.1 innings. Pitcher Burgess went 5.0 innings and recorded five strikeouts.
GAME TWO: PATRIOTS SWEEP BLUE RAIDERS, 8-0
After a thrilling game one, the Patriots were in search of their fifth consecutive MSC series sweep. In the top of the first inning, pitcher Morgan Radford recorder her first strikeout of the game in a three-up, three-down inning to send UC to the plate. In the bottom of the first, Amber Gainer knocked a single up the middle and stole second to place herself in scoring position. A Jade Gainer walk places runners on first and second, but Cumberlands is unable to hit the board first.
The Patriots recorded another one, two, three inning before breaking out their bats. In the bottom of the second inning, White set the tone with a two-out single up the middle. A Kaysee Dale single to third saw runners on first and second with both runners advancing on a passed ball. Oliver showcases her speed by recording a two RBI single to shortstop to put the Patriots on the board, 2-0. Back-to-back singles from the Gainer's loaded the bases, seeing a disciplined plate approach from Keatts to walk in the third run, 3-0 UC. Atkins steps up and delivers a clutch drive to the right center field gap to close the inning with a 5-0 Patriot advantage.
Both teams battled at the plate looking to add to their score, but neither team was able to muster a run. In an electric sixth inning, the Patriots saw an Oliver leadoff walk followed by pinch hitter Hannah Chaney reaching base to put runners on first and second. Keatts attacks early in the count to record an RBI single, garnering UC's sixth run of the game. Atkins steps up to the plate and blasts a two-run RBI to into right center field to give the Patriots the 8-0 run-rule victory and fifth consecutive MSC series sweep!
LEADERS
Leading the way offensively, Amber Gainer was 3-3 at the plate with two runs while Atkins was 3-4 at the plate with four RBIs. Oliver went 1-2 at the plate, tallying two runs and two RBIs followed by Jade Gainer who was 1-2 at the plate with one run.
Pitcher Morgan Radford recorded her seventh win of the season after tossing a complete game, recording four strikeouts and only allowing four hits.
Cumberlands will close the regular season with their final MSC Series in Campbellsville, KY against Campbellsville University on Friday, April 26 – Saturday, April 27. Game times are slated for 2:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. (EST) on Friday, 12:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. (EST) on Saturday.
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