WISE – UVA Wise softball prevailed over Tusculum in a pair of South Atlantic Conference slugfests Saturday afternoon, winning 4-2 and 10-8 over the Pioneers. The games saw a combined 36 hits and 24 runs.
The sweep was the first by the Cavs over Tusculum in SAC play and the first in the program's modern era (1998-present). The last time the Cavs swept the Pioneers prior to Saturday was when they won 2-1 and 8-3 in Greeneville on April 4, 1981.
INSIDE THE MATCHUP
Result Game 1: UVA Wise 4, Tusculum 2
Result Game 2: UVA Wise 10, Tusculum 8
Records: UVA Wise (21-9, 3-3 SAC); Tusculum (11-15, 1-5 SAC)
Location: Wise, VA | Bill Gatton Field
GAME ONE – UVA Wise 4, Tusculum 2
- The Highland Cavaliers win 4-2 behind a strong performance from the pitching staff, allowing only three hits and striking out four in the game.
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Kaylynn Baker set the tone for UVA Wise in the first inning with a solo home run to center field, putting the home team ahead early.
- In the fourth inning,
Sophie Easterly, pinch running for Baker, stole second and scored on
Lindsey Polan's single to third base. Later,
Emmaleigh Banks, pinch running for Polan, crossed the plate on a single by
Savannah Johnson, extending the Cavs' lead. By the end of the fourth inning, the score was Cavaliers 3, Pioneers 1.
- The fifth inning saw Baker double to left field and subsequently score on another RBI single from Polan. This increased the lead for the Highland Cavaliers to 5-1.
- In the seventh inning, Chelsey Stonesifer homered to left field, adding a run for the visitors. However, the effort was not enough to close the gap and UVA Wise won 4-2.
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Chloe Murphy delivered a complete game performance, pitching 7 innings while allowing only 3 hits and 2 earned runs. Murphy struck out 4 batters without issuing any walks, demonstrating control with 59 strikes out of 85 pitches. She faced 23 batters, inducing 12 flyouts and 4 groundouts, and limited the opposition to two doubles and one home run. Murphy's effort secured her seventh win of the season, showcasing her consistency in the circle.
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Kaylynn Baker contributed significantly at the plate, scoring two runs and hitting a home run as part of her two-hit performance.
Lindsey Polan drove in two runs, recording two hits in three at-bats.
GAME TWO – UVA Wise 10, Tusculum 8
- The game began with the Pioneers taking an early lead, scoring three runs in the first inning due to a combination of hits and errors. The Cavs responded in their half with two runs.
Adyson Gibson walked and eventually scored on a groundout by
Lindsey Polan, while
Kennedy Miller also crossed the plate, narrowing the gap to 3-2 after the first inning.
- In the second inning, Tusculum extended its lead with a three-run homer by E. Majchrzak. The Cavaliers answered back with a strong offensive display.
Taylor Clay scored on a double by
Mataya Ausmus, followed by Miller and
Kaylynn Baker each driving in a run, bringing the score to 6-5 in favor of the Pioneers by the end of the second inning.
- Tusculum added another run in the third inning, but the Cavs' defense held strong in the fourth. The home team then erupted for four runs. Polan drove in two on a single, and
Emmaleigh Banks, who pinch-ran, scored on a wild pitch.
Taylor Noe added another RBI single, giving UVA Wise a 9-7 lead after four innings.
- In the fifth inning, a solo inside-the-park home run by Gibson extended the lead for the Highland Cavaliers to 10-8. The final innings saw solid defensive plays and no further scoring, as
Bayleigh Allison closed out the game effectively.
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Angelina Branch started the game for the Cavaliers, pitching 1 1/3 innings and allowing five hits and five runs, three of which were earned, while striking out none and walking one.
Olivia Shockley entered in relief and pitched 2/3 of an inning, giving up two hits and one earned run with one walk.
Bayleigh Allison provided stability from the mound, pitching five innings and conceding five hits and two earned runs, striking out two batters and walking one, ultimately securing her fifth win of the season. Allison's performance was highlighted by inducing 11 groundouts, effectively managing the game after a challenging start.
- Gibson scored three runs and hit a home run, contributing significantly to the team's offensive output. Miller added a double and recorded four assists, demonstrating her versatility on the field. Polan collected three RBIs through her two hits, effectively driving in runs for the team.
UP NEXT
The Cavs will travel to Emory & Henry for a big SAC series Tuesday afternoon. The Wasps are 18-12 overall and 3-3 in SAC play after splitting a non-conference doubleheader at North Greenville earlier today.
