ANDERSON, S.C. – Solid pitching and a slew of outstanding defensive plays highlighted the day with the Anderson University softball team winning game one; 10-1 (6 innings), and earning the 1-0 victory in the nightcap against nonconference opponent Emmanuel Tuesday evening at the AU Softball Complex.
With the victories, Anderson improves to 14-2 overall while Emmanuel drops to 2-6 overall.
GAME #1
Anderson 10, Emmanuel 1
INSIDE THE BOX SCORE
The Trojans collected 11 hits with freshman Ali Anderson, sophomore Michaela Smith and junior Cailah Niles each batting 2-for-3 with Niles and Anderson's both blasting a 2-run home run. Freshman Mattie Hamilton went 2-for-4 with two singles up the middle while crossing the plate three times for the Black and Gold. Sophomore Kasey Grant batted 1-for-1 with a hit-by-pitch and base on balls.
Senior Augie Pena (5-0) recorded her fifth win the season in six innings of work. Pena scattered three hits while striking out five.
HOW IT HAPPENED
Anderson's Grant led the bottom of the first off with a hit-by-pitch with freshman Meghan Majeski being retired at first. Niles then drilled a 2-run homer over the left centerfield fence to put the Trojans on top 2-0. With noting doing in the second and third innings, Anderson opened up the game in the bottom of the fourth scoring three runs. Hamiton and senior Courtney Czentnar both singled with Hamilton scoring on an error by the left fielder. Sophomore Breanna Hagerty grounded out to third bringing Anderson to the plate. The freshman right fielder blasted a 2-run shot to right center recording her first career home run as a Trojan. AU added two more runs in the fifth to take a 7-0 lead.
Emmanuel's lone run came in the sixth inning when Mary Baxter was awarded first after being hit-by-pitch. Baxter advanced home after a nearly caught ball in the gap resulted in a triple for the Lions with Baxter scoring from first.
Anderson responded in the in the bottom half of the sixth with three runs ending the game, 10-1.
Emmanuel's Taylor Saxton (0-2) picked up her second loss of the young season. Saxton gave up 11 hits and two walks while striking out three.
GAME #2
Anderson 1, Emmanuel 0
INSIDE THE BOX SCORE
Niles went 1-for-1 with what turned out to be the game winning home run in the bottom of the fourth inning. Grant batted 2-for-3 with Hamilton picking up the only other hit for the Trojans.
Senior Lauren Rudesheim (5-2) earned her fifth win of the season with a solid outing while being backed by a stellar defensive effort from her teammates. Rudesheim gave up just four hits while striking out three.
HOW IT HAPPENED
After drawing a walk in the bottom the first with a runner in scoring position, the Lions chose to pitch to Niles as she led off the fourth inning. The native of Phenix City, Ala. blasted the ball over the centerfield fence recording her sixth home run of the season. The lone run was good enough for the Trojans to pick up their 14th win of the season.
For the Lions, Madison Hopper (1-2) suffered the tough loss after pitching a solid game. Hopper gave up four hits while striking out one.
ANDERSON STAT OF THE DAY
-The Trojans have now stolen more bases (31-of-31) than they attempted all of last season (26-of-30).
NOTABLES
-With six home runs on the season, Niles has moved into a tie for second for all-time career home runs.
Out of 16 games played, Grant and Hamilton have recorded at least one hit in 15 contests with Hamilton riding a 13 game hitting streak.
UP NEXT
The Trojans travel to Young Harris to play a round-robin format on Friday. Anderson and Auburn-Montgomery square off at Noon while the Trojans and Young Harris are slated for 2 p.m.
