FREDERICKSBURG, Va. The Methodist University softball team dropped a pair of non-conference road games Saturday against the University of Mary Washington at The Battleground. The Monarchs fell 8–0 in a five-inning opener before suffering a 6–5 walk-off loss in game two.
THE ESSENTIALS
Final scores: Mary Washington def. Methodist, 8–0 (5 Inn.); Mary Washington def. Methodist, 6–5
Records: Methodist 4-12; Mary Washington 8-8
Location: The Battleground; Fredericksburg, Virginia
HOW IT HAPPENED – GAME 1
- Methodist threatened early in the opening inning, with seniors Hannah Lovick and Alyssa Rivas recording a hit to put runners on first and second. However, the Monarchs were unable to capitalize as both runners were left stranded.
- The Eagles then limited the Methodist offense for the remainder of the contest, allowing just one additional hit over the final four innings.
- Mary Washington broke through after a scoreless first inning, pushing runs across in each of the next four frames. The Eagles posted three runs in both the third and fifth innings to secure the 8–0 run-rule victory in five innings.
HOW IT HAPPENED – GAME 2
- Methodist jumped out to an early lead in the second game using a similar formula to the first inning of the opener. Lovick and Rivas reached base before a pair of sacrifice bunts moved both runners into scoring position. A wild pitch from the Eagles allowed Lovick to sprint home and give the Monarchs a 1–0 lead.
- The Monarchs extended their advantage in the third inning. After two walks and a double steal put runners at second and third, junior Minnie Johnson delivered a two-RBI single to push the Methodist lead to 3–0.
- Mary Washington slowly chipped away at the deficit, scoring one run in both the third and fourth innings to make it a 3–2 game.
- Methodist added another run in the fifth when Haley Downes and Rivas connected on back-to-back doubles to plate a run and extend the lead to 4–2. The Eagles responded quickly, however, scoring two runs in the bottom half of the inning to even the score at 4–4.
- The Monarchs regained the lead in the sixth inning. Junior Reilly Howell opened the frame with a double and was replaced on the bases by freshman KaraBeth Benton. After advancing on a sacrifice bunt, Benton came around to score when an errant throw by Mary Washington sailed into the outfield, giving Methodist a 5–4 advantage.
- The lead would not hold in the final inning. With one out in the seventh, Mary Washington registered an infield single before the next batter launched a two-run home run over the center-field fence, securing the 6–5 walk-off victory for the Eagles.
NUMBERS
- Downes paced the Methodist offense, going 2-for-5 with two doubles.
- Rivas also went 2-for-5 and added a double.
- Howell finished 2-for-3 with a double while appearing in one game.
UP NEXT
Methodist remains in Virginia on Sunday, March 15, traveling to face Marymount University. First pitch is scheduled for Noon.
