PEMBROKE, N.C. – The Concord University softball team started its season with two wins at the UNC-Pembroke Invitational, downing the host UNCP, 5-4, and defeating Winston-Salem State 7-3.
Game 1: Concord 5 – UNC-Pembroke 4A run-scoring single by freshman catcher / third baseman
Lauren Blunt in the top of the seventh propelled the Mountain Lions to a win over UNCP.
With the score knotted 4-4 in the final inning of regulation, senior catcher
Alyssa Morris started a rally with a single before senior pitcher
Allie Reid and sophomore
Alycea Watson reached on back-to-back fielder's choices. With two outs in the inning, Reid remained on second base. However, Blunt recorded a base hit to allow Reid to score the go-ahead and decisive game-winning run.
Reid retired the side in order in the seventh to seal the win for Concord.
CU opened the scoring in the first inning on a Morris RBI single scoring senior second baseman
Kristen Rose. UNC-Pembroke answered with two runs in the bottom of the inning before junior shortstop
Alayna Furr tied the game at 2-2 on a run-scoring base hit plated Blunt.
The Mountain Lions grabbed a 4-2 lead in the third as senior outfielder
Kristi Benvenuto and Blunt each had an RBI in the frame, But the Braves tied the game in the bottom of the inning with two runs.
And the game remained tied until Blunt's timely hit in the seventh inning.
Blunt powered the offense with a 3-for-4 showing with two RBI while Morris was 2-for-2 for an RBI and two walks.
Reid earned the win by going the distance and striking out three batters while giving up five hits and four runs.
Game 2: Concord 7 – Winston-Salem State 3Junior pitcher / outfielder
Sarah Herndon gave up just one earned run and the Concord scored four runs over the final two innings to defeat WSSU 7-3.
Two doubles in the first inning by Furr and Morris allowed CU to jump out to a 1-0 lead in the first inning with Morris driving in Furr.
The Rams tied the game in the third inning, but an RBI double from Reid drove in Furr before Reid scored on an error to give the Mountain Lions a 3-1 lead.
After Winston-Salem State got the game to within 3-2, Concord broke out the bats on the Rams in the fifth and sixth inning as Furr scored on an inning in the fifth and Morris added an RBI single in the frame.
In the seventh, junior catcher
Carly DiVirgilio and Furr each scored on an additional error by WSSU to take a commanding 7-2 lead. The Rams added a run in the seventh for the final margin of victory for Concord.
Herndon hurled seven innings giving up one earned run and striking out three.
Furr notched a 4-for-4 game at the plate while scoring four runs. Morris stayed hot going 2-for-3.
Concord plays Kutztown at the UNCP Invite 9:00 a.m. Sunday. Â
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