ANDERSON, S.C. – The Anderson University softball team earned a doubleheader sweep in its home opener against non-conference opponent Lees-McRae on Sunday afternoon winning game one, 4-1 and game 2, 6-1, at the AU Softball Complex.
GAME #1
Anderson 4, Lees-McRae 1
INSIDE THE BOX SCORE
Leading the Trojans at the plate, sophomore Breanna Hagerty batted 3-for-3 with a double, two singles and a run scored. Freshmen Ali Anderson and Meghan Majeski each picked up two hits, as did senior Courtney Czentnar.
Senior Augie Pena (2-0) had a strong showing, pitching a complete game allowing just two hits while striking out nine Bobcat batters.
HOW IT HAPPENED
Anderson got things going in the third and fourth inning, scoring all four runs in that span. After scoring a lone run in the bottom half of the third inning, the Black and Gold scored three more to claim a 4-0 lead. Hagerty led off with a double to center field, followed by a single up the middle by Anderson. The Bobcats shortstop committed an error on sophomore Michaela Smith's grounder allowing Hagerty to score advancing Anderson to third. Smith stole second allowing Anderson to delay steal scoring the third run of the game while Smith later scored the fourth run on Majeski's fielder's choice.
The Bobcats scored their lone run in the top of the fifth on a solo home run to left centerfield by Taylor Billings.
Lees-McRae Billings (0-2) gave up 10 hits, walked none while striking out two in the losing effort.
GAME #2
Anderson 6, Lees-McRae 1
INSIDE THE BOX SCORE
Hagerty continued her hot streak, going 2-for-2 with a stolen base. Senior Courtney Czentnar hit a 3-run homer in the bottom of the first that aided in the Trojans four-run inning. Junior Cailah Niles batted 2-for-4 with a single and her first home run of the year.
Senior Lauren Rudesheim (2-0) picked up her second win of the year. Rudesheim gave up six hits while striking out three.
HOW IT HAPPENED
Anderson jumped out to a 4-0 lead in the bottom of the first. With one out, Majeski reach on a single followed by a single to right center by Niles. Czentnar blasted a 3-run shot over the left centerfield fence. Hamilton doubled to right center later scoring on an illegal pitch.
Lees-McRae was able to get on the scoreboard in the top of the fifth using three singles in the inning.
The Trojans were able to tack on another run in the bottom half of the fifth to set the final score, 6-1.
Charlie Dutton (0-2) suffered the loss in 4.1 innings of work. Dutton gave up nine hits and walked three batters. Kara Cunnigham pitched the final 1.2 innings giving up no hits and striking out two.
ANDERSON STAT OF THE DAY
With the sweep, Coach Hewitt's teams are 10-3 in the home opener of the season.
NOTABLES
Hagerty was 5-for-5 on the day with four singles and a double.
Czentnar hit the first home run of the 2017 season for the Trojans. Niles hit the second home run of the season three innings later.
UP NEXT
The Trojans remain at home to face non-conference opponent Converse on Saturday. The first pitch of the doubleheader is slated for noon.
