Columbus, GA – The seventh-ranked University of the Cumberlands split its opening day at the NFCA Leadoff Classic on Friday, falling 7-1 to the University of Mobile before bouncing back with a 15-1 run-rule victory over United States Sports University. The Patriots move to 10-3 overall on the season. 

Game 1: MOBILE PULLS AWAY IN 7-1 DECISION 

Mobile struck first in the second inning, using four hits and patient at-bats to plate three runs and take a 3-0 lead. 

Cumberlands answered in the fourth when Emily Delgado connected on a solo home run to left center, cutting the deficit to 3-1. The homer marked Delgado's third long ball in her last three games. 

Mobile added a run in the fourth and broke the game open in the fifth, capitalizing on a bunt single, an error, and a two-RBI triple to extend the lead to 7-1. 

The Patriots were limited to four hits in the contest. Delgado finished 2-for-2 with the lone RBI, while Jenna Fabela and Maleah Clinton each recorded hits. 

Jessica Cord took the loss in the circle, allowing four runs over 3.1 innings before Taylor Haymans worked the final 2.2 frames in relief. 

Game 2: PATS ERUPT EARLY TO EARN RUN-RULE WIN 

Cumberlands responded emphatically in the nightcap, exploding for seven runs in the second inning and four more in the third to seize control. 

United States Sports University took a 1-0 lead in the bottom of the first on an RBI double, but the Patriots answered immediately. Jae Jae Phillips tied the game with a solo home run to center field to begin the second inning. 

The offense continued to roll from there. Lillian Buckley delivered a two-RBI single, Alyssa Garcia drove in a run on a fielder's choice, and Grace Ross added a two-RBI double to left center. Ross later scored on a wild pitch to cap the seven-run frame and give UC a 7-1 advantage. 

In the third, Ryann Livingston reached on a bunt and drove in two runs after an error, Buckley added another RBI single, and Garcia contributed another run-producing groundout to extend the lead to 11-1. 

Phillips delivered the knockout blow in the fifth, launching a grand slam to center field to push the margin to 15-1 and secure the run-rule victory. 

Kristen Smith led the Patriots offensively with a 4-for-4 performance, while Phillips finished with five RBIs. Buckley added three RBIs and Ross drove in two. 

Delgado earned the win in the circle, tossing five innings while allowing one run and striking out 10 batters. 

Up Next 

Cumberlands will continue play in the NFCA Leadoff Classic on Saturday in Columbus, Georgia. 

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