Redshirt junior Caitlyn Stoner produced the winning run in back-to-back games for Urbana University softball on Friday in a doubleheader sweep over Fairmont State. The Blue Knights edged the Falcons 6-5 in Game 1 and then came out on top 1-0 in eight innings to secure the second victory.
UU improved to 7-7 overall and 4-2 against league opponents while the Falcons dropped to 8-16 on the year (2-5 MEC).
Game 1
The Blue Knights scored twice in each of the fourth and fifth frames to go up 4-0, but the Falcons responded with three in the fifth and two in the seventh which tied the score at 5-5. In the final at-bat, junior Riley Curtis led off with a double to center field and Margo Jackson moved her over on a grounder to the right side. Then, Stoner stepped up and delivered a deep fly ball to center which brought home Curtis for a sacrifice fly.
Courtney Stewart, Courtney Kennedy and Curtis each posted two hits to lead the Knights at the plate. UU outhit FSU 11-10 and recorded five sac hits. In the circle, Carly Allen was solid through six but ran out of steam. The right hander registered five strikeouts and surrendered two earned runs on nine hits. Stewart came on in the seventh and was credited with the win.
Stoner had three stolen bases in the first contest.
Game 2
The bats on both sides were silent during the majority of Game 2. Stewart tossed a gem in the circle for UU, going a career-high eight innings with three strikeouts. The senior recorded big-time pitches when UU needed it most in clutch situations while stranding two Falcons in each of the sixth, seventh and eighth innings.
In the bottom of the eighth, UU received more clutch performances with three consecutive two-out hits to win it. Curtis began the rally again this time with a two-out single up the middle. Jackson followed with another base knock up the middle and then Stoner laced a line drive to left field to plate the winning run.
Jackson went 4 for 4 (tied career high) at the plate with a double and Stoner finished 3 for 4 to combine for seven of UU’s nine hits. The Blue Knights outhit the Falcons again, 9-6, but had two errors while FSU had no defensive miscues.
The Blue Knights return to their home field today for a doubleheader against Shepherd. The first game of the MEC matchup has been pushed up to noon.
