VIERA, Fla. - - A seven-run seventh inning allowed the Wilmington University softball team to snap a five-game losing streak late into the night on Sunday, falling to Ferris State, 8-6, before defeating Saginaw Valley State, 11-5, at the USSSA Space Coast Complex.
GAME vs. FERRIS STATE:
A big six-run top of the first inning was too much for the Wildcats to come back from, despite giving it a shot. The Bulldogs scored six runs on four hits and an error, throwing a major haymaker at the Wildcats to start the game.
The Wildcats cut the deficit in half in the bottom of the first inning, scoring on an error and then getting two more runs off a Tristyn Stewart infield single and ensuing error. The Bulldogs tacked on another run on an error in the third before the Wildcats cut into the deficit even more with a two-run double to left center by Delani Sheehan in the fourth inning, making it 7-5.
Ferris State answered right back however, scoring another run in the top of fifth inning to gain momentum back in the game. Delani Sheehan struck again for the Wildcats in the sixth inning, picking up a two-out RBI single to make it an 8-6 game. Kylee Gunkel gave the Wildcats a chance with a scoreless seventh, but the offense went down in order to end the game.
Delani Sheehan went 2-for-3 with three RBI while Tristyn Stewart went 2-for-2 with an RBI and two runs scored. Sheehan took the loss in the circle, allowing six runs (three earned). Haley Downin pitched 3.1 innings with only allowing one run while Brooke Koehler pitched two innings while only allowing one run.
GAME vs. SAGINAW VALLEY STATE
With the game tied 4-4 going into the seventh inning, the Wildcats broke out for seven runs to ultimately snap a five-game losing streak. Sam Freeland capped the seven-run inning with an inside the park grand slam, breaking the game wide open.
The Wildcats struck first in the game that started at 10:15 p.m., putting runners on first and third with one out in the top of the first. Sam Freeland stole second and the throw went into center field, allowing Lexi Moore to score. Delani Sheehan than added an RBI groundout to giver the Wildcats the quick 2-0 lead.
The Cardinals answered with a four-run second inning, needing only two hits while leaving the bases loaded. The Wildcats tied the game in the top of the fourth inning, putting runners on second and third with one out. Emma Zimmerman scored on an error and then a Sam Freeland infield single plated Stewart to make it a 4-4 game.
The Wildcats loaded the bases to start the seventh frame before two walks forced in runs. An error allowed another run to score and then Sam Freeland hooked one into the right field corner, racing all the way around for the inside the park grand slam, making it an 11-4 ballgame.
The bottom of the seventh wasn't easy for the Wildcats, as the Cardinals loaded the bases without recording an out as well. A walk brought in a run, but then Haley Downin induced a short fly ball and a line drive double play to end the game.
Tristyn Stewart and Sam Freeland each had three hits in the game while Sheehan picked up the win in the circle with 4.2 innings of relief.
UP NEXT:
The Wildcats are off Monday, but return to action on Tuesday at Florida Tech. The doubleheader is scheduled for a 4:00 p.m. start in Melbourne, Florida.