Columbus, GA – The fourth-ranked Patriots played their second game of the 2024 NAIA Softball World Series against the Grizzlies of Georgia Gwinnett College, where a pitcher's duel and extra innings thriller ended with the Patriot's walking it off in the bottom of the eighth inning, 1-0. UC was seen recording their 17th shutout of the season and the fourth shutout against the Grizzlies this season. The Cumberlands' offense recorded one run on seven hits and the pitching staff combined for four strikeouts on the day.
PLAY-BY-PLAY
In the first inning, pitcher Lindsey Shope battled through a tough Grizzlies line up, but the Patriot's defense had Shope's back to hold the Grizzlies to zero runs and zero hits. In the Pats first time at the plate, Amber Gainer continued her offensive hot streak with a bunt for a single before she swiped second. Amber Gainer made her way to third but was ultimately left stranded to end the first inning. The top of the second saw the Grizzlies record their first hit of the day but was shut down with three straight popups to retire the side. Back on offense, UC Amber Atkins led off with a single to left center followed by Bailey Turnbow reaching first on a fielder's choice ball. Turnbow was able to swipe second before being left on base and ending the second frame.
A one, two, three inning had the Pats fired up as they were looking to hit the board first. The bottom of the third saw another lead off single for UC, this time from Kaysee Dale. A Carly Oliver single through the 5-6 hole put runners on first and second, where another fielder's choice play put runners on the corner. Jade Gainer quickly stole second followed by a Makenzie Keatts walk to load the bases. Atkins battled deep into the count, but ultimately saw Cumberlands leave the bases loaded. The top of the fourth saw relief pitcher Talli Burgess fight against the Grizzlies lineup but she quickly recorded three outs to keep the game scoreless. The bottom of the fourth saw UC continuing to make contact and looking for a gap, but unable to muster a base runner.
With a pitcher's duel occurring and a scoreless game, Burgess recorded her first strikeout of the game in the top of the fifth for a three-up, three-down inning to send UC back to the plate. The bottom of the fifth saw Dale recorded her second lead off single of the day paired with another Oliver single to place runners on first and second. An Amber Gainer single through the 5-6 hole loaded the bases once again, but Cumberlands was unable to send a runner across the plate. Burgess continued to deal in the circle, serving up two pop flys and a flyout in foul territory to keep the Grizzlies offense quiet. The Patriots had another chance to take the lead in the bottom of the sixth, but the score remained 0-0 heading into the top of the seventh.
The seventh inning saw the Grizzlies threaten with a runner on first and two outs, but that threat was quickly concealed with a fly out to center field. With a chance to walk it off in the bottom of the seventh, the Pats worked the ball into play but were unable to find a gap and sending the game into extra innings. An electric top of the eight saw Burgess command the circle with three clutch strikeouts looking, blowing the ball past the Grizzlies offense. With another chance to walk it off, Jade Gainer set the Patriots up for success with a leadoff double to the left centerfield gap. Keatts's perfectly executed sacrifice bunt moved Jade Gainer to third and in optimal scoring position, seeing Atkins walk it off with a single ripped past a diving Grizzlies shortstop to secure the 1-0 victory!
LEADERS
Leading the way offensively, Amber Atkins was 2-4 at the plate with one RBI while Oliver and Amber Gainer were both 2-4 at the plate. Jade Gainer was 2-3 at the plate with one run followed by Dale who was 1-3 at the plate.
Pitcher Burgess recorded her 15th win of the season after tossing five innings, recording four strikeouts and not allowing a single hit. Pitcher Shope also tossed three innings, only allowing two hits.
Cumberlands will continue to battle their way through top competition at the 2024 NAIA Softball World Series with a game on Saturday, May 25 at 10:00 a.m. (EST). The Patriots will face the loser of No. 2 Oklahoma City University and No. 7 Jessup University, which is set to take place on Friday, May 24 at 4:00 p.m. (EST). UC will remain in Columbus, GA inside the South Commons Complex for their third game of the World Series.
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