NEW CASTLE, Del. - - The offense was silenced on a cold and windy day at Asbury Field, as LIU Post came in and swept a nonconference doubleheader, 3-1 and 3-2 (8), over the Wilmington University softball team on Sunday afternoon.
The Wildcats (13-9) left six runners on base with five hits in the opener and left five more on with only four hits in the nightcap. LIU Post (8-8) scored in three separate innings in game one before a two-run fifth and an unearned run in the eighth in the nightcap.
The Pioneers got the scoring started in the top of the third with a two-out double and a single down the left field line. Another two-out single to right in the top of the fourth gave the visitors a 2-0 lead. LIU Post started a two-out rally again in the fifth with a double and a single to take a 3-0 lead.
The Wildcats didn't get their first base runner until the third inning, leaving the bases loaded in the frame. An error and a double set up the Wildcats in the sixth, but they could only score one run on an RBI groundout, as the Pioneers picked up back-to-back fly balls to end the inning.
Caitlyn Whiteside was saddled with the game one loss, going all seven with three strikeouts and no walk. She allowed three runs on six hits.
The Wildcats struck first in the nightcap, scoring a run in the bottom of the fourth inning. With two outs and a runner on second, a throwing error put Mirabella Klebart on and scored Lauren Lopez from second for the 1-0 lead.
LIU Post quickly answered in the top of the fifth, as the Pioneers leading hitter Julia Seader hit a two-out, two-run homer to right center to put the visitors on top, 2-1.
The Wildcats tied the game in the bottom half of the inning, as another two-out Pioneer error allowed a run to come home. Alyssa Velasquez reached on a fielding error, bringing in Keara McCarthy to knot the score, 2-2.
Makayla McCarthy doubled to lead off the sixth inning for the Wildcats, and was moved over to third with one out. But the Pioneers' starter Katie Humhej picked up back-to-back strikeouts to escape the threat and keep the score tied, 2-2.
The game went into extra innings and the Pioneers were able to put the pressure on first. The eighth started with three straight singles, the third being a bunt single and an error to bring in the runner from second. Makayla McCarthy buckled down and got the next three outs to escape further damage.
The Wildcats were not able to answer in the bottom of the eighth inning, going down 1-2-3 to fall, 3-2.
Makayla McCarthy was the only Wildcat to record multiple hits, going 2-for-3 with a double. She also struck out a season high 11 batters without issuing a walk, but was saddled with the loss by allowing three runs (two earned) on eight hits.
The Wildcats return to Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference action with their next contest, as they head to Nyack for a doubleheader on Wednesday. The first pitch of the afternoon is scheduled for 2:00 p.m. in Nyack, New York.