CLERMONT, Fla. – The Capital University softball team emerged with another two-game sweep on their spring break trip to Florida today as they defeated Johnson & Wales (N.C.), 10-8, and Simmons, 7-4.
Capital improved to 5-1 overall, while JWU fell to 3-8 and Simmons dropped to 3-3.
GAME ONE: Capital def. JWU, 10-8
The Comets jumped all over the Wildcats in the top of the first inning as they took full advantage of a two-out error and scored seven unearned runs to go up 7-0 in just the first inning. Runs were scored in the inning thanks to an error, an RBI double by
Audrey Thomas, an RBI single by
Isabel Sayre and a grand slam home run by
Morgan Priest. The home run for Priest was the first round tripper of her Capital career.
From there, the Comets used that cushion to hold off the Wildcats for the remainder of the game. Though insurance was needed as Capital again capitalized on an error to score in the fourth and then
Kyleigh Kirby hit a two-run home run in the sixth to give Capital 10 runs. A late rally by JWU brought the final score to 10-8, Capital.
The Comets were led offensively by two hits each from Kirby, Sayre,
Autumn Bridges, and Priest.
Reagan Irons,
Aileen Mendoza and Thomas each had one hit.
Addi Parker pitched the full seven innings to earn her second win of the season. She finished with three strikeouts.
GAME TWO: Capital def. Simmons, 7-4
The Comets started from behind in game two as Simmons scored once in the first inning ans twice in the second to go ahead 3-0.
Despite being behind, the Comets got two runs back in the top of the third inning as
Emma Sweetman hit an RBI single and
Audrey Thomas reached on a sacrifice squeeze bunt play that scored
Reagan Irons from third.
Simmons hit a home run in the bottom of the third to extend their lead to 4-2, but the Comets did not roll over. In the top of the fourth inning, Capital responded with a solo home run of their own as
Kyleigh Kirby went deep yet again, bringing the score to 4-3, Capital still trailing.
In the fifth inning, Capital finally got in front as they scored four runs. First,
Autumn Bridges hit a single to left with the bases loaded that scored Sweetman from third. Then, with the bases still loaded,
Kyleigh Kirby cleared them all with a triple to straightaway center that scored Bridges,
Lyndi Hemmelgarn and
Isabel Sayre. The three runs put the Comets ahead 7-4 for good.
Kirby, Sayre and Sweetman each had two hits in the game to lead the way, while Irons, Thomas, Hemmelgarn, and Bridges each had one hit.
In the pitcher's circle,
Megan Mlinaric threw the first three innings, surrendering four runs on four hits and four walks. She did have two strikeouts.
Alyssa Miller came in for the final four innings and allowed just two hits, while striking out six. The win was Miller's second of the season.
UP NEXT
Capital will be back in action for their final two games in Florida tomorrow, March 5th. The team will again play Johnson & Wales (R.I.) at 10 a.m. before they turn around and play Alma at 12:30 p.m.
