MMI Softball Edged in Game One, Secures Win in Nightcap
Marion, AL. - The MMI softball team (12-14, 2-2) split with Shelton State Community College Tuesday, losing the first game 8-7 and then wining 10-1 in five innings.
In game one, MMI held a 3-0 lead going into the 5th inning. Shelton State put up two runs but Marion answered back in their half of the inning with one more run to make it a 4-2 game. In the top of the 6th, the Lady Bucs came away with six runs making the score 8-4. In the bottom of that inning, MMI would get their offense rolling again. With runners on first and second and one out, Hayden Short hit an infield single that scored a runner. Alisea Balderaz singled up the middle to record an RBI. Sharayah Simco was hit by the Shelton pitcher before Angel Harrison singled up the middle to score the 7th run for the Lady Tigers. Lauren Camacho, who came in relief of Caitlyn Cooper in the 6th inning was able to hold Shelton State's offense to no runs. Marion could not get a runner on base during the bottom of the 7th inning. Cooper pitched 6.2 innings, giving up ten hits with eight earned runs and four strikeouts. The Lady Tigers had eleven hits. Kennedy Harrison went 3-for-5, while Hayden Short, Alisea Balderaz, and Angel Harrison went 2-for-4.
In game two, the Lady Tiger's offense erupted in the bottom of the 2nd inning. Sharayah Simco led off with a walk and Kaitlyn Green came in to pinch run. She was moved to second by a sacrifice bunt off Ashley Holt's bat. Annelise Borg singled to right field and Andie Lopez dropped a single behind third base. With bases loaded, Emily Tarango hit into a fielder's choice back to the pitcher who would get the second out at home plate. With bases still loaded, Kennedy Harrison singled to right field to plate the first run of the inning. Hayden Short would be awarded first base after being hit by Shelton's pitcher. Alisea Balderaz hit a bases loaded two-RBI shot to centerfield. Angel Harrison singled and scored another run before the inning ended. With the Lady Tigers up 5-1, freshman Lindsey Savoie went to work on the mound not allowing another run for the visitors. She pitched five innings, surrendering six hits and one earned run while striking out three batters. MMI also had a big 4th inning tacking on five more runs to end the run-ruled game. Emily Tarango went 2-for-4 as did teammate Kennedy Harrison. Harrison also recorded an RBI. Alisea Balderaz finished 1-for-2 from the plate with a double and two RBIs. Andie Lopez and Angel Harrison both went 2-for-3 for the Lady Tigers.