Knoxville, TN: The Alice Lloyd College Lady Eagles (12-24) journeyed to the Volunteer State on April 13th for a doubleheader with the Johnson University Royals (5-25). They would come away with a split for the series.
April 13
GAME ONE
JU-4; Alice Lloyd-2
The Caney Creek Club dropped the opener despite allowing only 5 hits.
The Lady Eagles struck first, as an opening-inning fielder’s choice from Baylee Cox (P) brought in a run (1-0).
However, the Lady Royals matched them in their first at-bat with a fielder’s choice of their own (1-1).
Things remained unchanged until the JU fourth. In that inning, 1 single, 1 walk, and a critical error permitted 2 runners to score, and give the hosts a 4-1 cushion.
Johnson returned the favor in the fifth as they committed an error to allow ALC a baserunner. Baylie Compton (LF) then sacrificed the runner in to reduce the deficit (4-2).
In the final inning, Alice Lloyd had a great opportunity, as a walk, sandwiched around singles from Compton and Abigail Stambaugh (RF) loaded the bases with one out. Unfortunately, a strikeout and groundout ended the contest.
The Lady Eagles managed 7 hits with Compton and Launa Ratcliff both stroking 2 hits.
Cox deserved a better fate on the mound, as she allowed only 5 hits over five innings. She permitted just 1 earned run and struck out 2 batters. Mackenzie Brewer tossed the final inning, allowing just 1 hit.
The Lady Eagles led in hits (7-5) but committed 2 costly errors.
GAME TWO
JU-1; Alice Lloyd-4
The Bluegrass ladies bounced back and used another solid pitching effort to help pull out the decision.
ALC placed 2 runners on base in the second and then saw both ladies score, assisted by a JU error from left field (2-0).
In the fourth, Johnson would slice the deficit in half, aided by 2 singles and a fielder’s choice (2-1).
Both clubs went hitless until the seventh inning. In that important at-bat, the Lady Eagles would get clutch singles from Compton and Alexis Morris (1B) to score 2 important runs (4-2).
The Pippa Passes squad then turned to pitcher Haley Howell to throw the final inning. After allowing the first 2 batters to reach base, she promptly settled down and struck out the next batter. She then followed that by forcing 2 harmless popups to end the day in Alice Lloyd’s favor.
For ALC, Cox belted a double, and 5 of her teammates singled.
Pitcher Maleigh McDaniel started and went six innings to earn the big victory. She was sharp, allowing just 6 hits and 1 earned run, with 4 strikeouts. Howell earned the save for her effort.
Both squads had 6 hits, but Johnson led in errors, 3-0, which proved vital.