HATTIESBURG, Miss. – The Lady Crusaders picked up a pair of run rule victories over United States Sports Academy, taking game one 11-0 and game two 9-1 Wednesday afternoon at Joseph & Nancy Fail Field.
Carey threatened early, loading the bases in the first inning, but managed only one run on an RBI walk by
Harper Dupre. WCU added to their lead in the third inning, as a defensive miscue allowed two runs to cross the plate.
The Lady Crusaders then seized control of the game in the fourth inning, scoring eight runs on five hits.
Laila Clark started things off with a two RBI double to center with
Magen Caro making it 6-0 Carey with a bases loaded walk.
Madison Gray followed with a double down the left field line, scoring Dupre and
Madison Prejean. Two batters later
Kinley Hogue made it a nine-run advantage on a sacrifice fly with a throwing error allowing another run.
Lilli Robertson capped the scoring in the inning, scoring
Liz Cross on a double.
After allowing the first two batters to reach base in the seventh, relief pitcher
Kate Schroeder retired the next three batters to seal the win.
Reanna Nieman picked up the win in the circle, going four innings, allowing three hits while striking out seven.
The Lady Crusaders picked up where they left off in game one, again taking an early lead with four runs in the first inning. After three straight walks to start the inning, Prejean drove in two runs with a double down the left field line with Clark scoring the third run on a wild pitch.
Ryanne Hornsby plated the final run of the frame on a single to left.
Carey made it 5-0 on a Prejean RBI double in the third with USSA getting the run back in the top of the fourth. However, in the bottom half of the inning, the Lady Crusaders pushed their lead to six on a two RBI double by Clark.
After leaving the bases in the bottom of the fourth inning, WCU again loaded the bases in the fifth inning with Robertson delivering a two RBI single to right field for run rule victory.
Hornsby earned the win in the circle, allowing one hit and an unearned run in five innings of work.
Carey is back in action on Friday, April 11, as they take on conference rival Mobile. Play is set to begin at 3:00 pm at Joseph & Nancy Fail Feld.
