Franciscan 0, Waynesburg 16 - 5 Innings
Franciscan Lineup
Janey Winner LF, Emma Davis CF, Abigail Savage SS, Kimberly McDaniels C, Hayley Cook 3B, Elizabeth Maxwell DP, Madison Kozares 1B, Emma Clow 2B, Olivia Linden P, & Kyra Collins RF
How It Happened
The Barons were home yesterday afternoon facing the Waynesburg Yellow Jackets. The Barons offense has been streaky so far this year. In game 1 of yesterday's doubleheader the lineup faced Waynesburg's Wilson. Wilson's pitching record is now 9-3 and for good reason. She had some power behind her throws. The senior pitcher had a strong arm that the young hitters struggled to get enough power behind their swings. When our hitters did make good contact, the ball lacked any velocity and was an easy cleanup for the Waynesburg infield. The Barons played sound defense and limited costly errors, but their opponents consistently put the ball in play and tallied 16 runs by the 5th.
Today the Barons went with a slightly different defensive lineup placing McDaniels at catcher. Kimmy is naturally a third baseman, but has played every position in the infield in her collegiate career when called upon except catcher. When runners are on base, the catcher often has to make judgment decisions on when and where to throw the ball. Placing someone who's never played that position seems unorthodox, but considering Kimmy's experience and decision-making skills on the field it turns out to be a great one.
At the Plate
-Davis was 1 for 3
-Cook was 1 for 2
In the Circle
-Starter Cook pitched 3.0 innings allowing 9 hits, 12 earned runs, and tallying 2 strikeouts
Franciscan 3, Waynesburg 18 - 5 Innings
Franciscan Lineup
Janey Winner LF, Emma Davis CF, Abigail Savage SS, Kimberly McDaniels 3B, Hayley Cook P, Elizabeth Maxwell 1B, Madison Kozares C, Emma Clow 2B, Olivia Linden DP, & Kyra Collins RF
How It Happened
Game 2 ended in similar fashion as game 1 with atleast an eight run deficit after five innings, but the start was much more exciting. The Barons faced a different Yellow Jackets pitcher from game 1 and you could immediately tell the difference. This game when the Barons connected with the ball they were able to push it down range. Waynesburg's batting lineup that racked up hits and runs in game 1 was quieted to start game 2. The Barons only allowed 2 hits and 2 runs in the top of the 1st. However, in the bottom of the 1st the home dugout came alive. Davis and Savage were walked after Winner struck out. Cook took the plate with one out and runners on first and second. The pitcher worked the strike zone, but Cook stayed patient and got ahead in the count. Waynesburg's Stemple was forced to throw Cook a good pitch and Cook made the most of it. She blasted the center pitch out to left field grazing the yellow plastic on top of the fence and falling over for a three run shot to put the Barons up 3-2.
Going into the top of the second the Barons were alive and felt they had a shot of taking this one. In the top of the second, they started with a couple fly outs and a single. With two outs and a runner on second they were in a great spot to get out of the second inning retaining the lead. However, they were now back to the top of the Waynesburg order. Heitmann singled, Higgins was walked, then Foust sent one to the warning track recording 2 RBI's and putting Waynesburg back on top. The Barons were blanked in the bottom of the second, but were still in it down 3-4.
Distaster struck in the third. A couple of errors and three batters walked in a row put the Barons down a few more runs and bases loaded with zero outs. That nightmare continued and deflated the hopes of walking away with a victory. The Yellow Jackets tallied 12 runs in that inning putting the close game out or reach.
At the Plate
-McDaniels was 1 for 2
-Cook was 1 for 3 with 3 RBI's
-Kozares was 1 for 2
In the Circle
-Starter Cook pitched 2.1 innings allowing 8 hits and 8 earned runs
-Relief pitcher McDaniels pitched 2.2 innings allowing 4 hits and 1 earned run
Up Next
Franciscan resumes their busy week at Allegheny on
Wednesday for a conference doubleheader. It is slated to start at 3:30 p.m.. The Barons are in search of their first PAC win against the Gators, as the Gators have won the last four meetings.
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