NEW CASTLE, Del. - - A three-run bottom of the sixth inning in game two allowed the 23rd ranked Wilmington University softball team to sweep Bridgeport, 7-4 and 3-2, on Saturday afternoon at Asbury Field in both team's Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference opening games.
GAME 1:
The Wildcats scored seven runs in three innings as starting pitcher Kylee Gunkel struck out a season high 11 batters earn a game one victory.
Bri Coyle started the scoring in the bottom of the second inning, knocking in Sara Miller with an RBI single. The Purple Knights tied the game with a two-out RBI single in the top of the third, but then the Wildcats broke it open.
Tristyn Stewart and Lexi Moore each singled and stole second. Taylor Gillis then put down a bunt to score Stewart before Sara Miller doubled to the gap in left center to plate two more for the 4-1 lead.
The fourth inning was a two-out rally, as Cassidy Zelano sparked it with a single up the middle. Stewart walked and Moore singled to load the bases for Gillis once again. Gillis singled into right, scoring two for the 6-1 lead. A first and third play brought Moore in to cap the Wilmington scoring.
Bridgeport brought the tying run to the plate int eh top of the seventh inning with their own two-out rally, but Gunkel induced a grounder to finally ended it.
Lexi Moore with 3-for-3 with a double and two runs scored while Taylor Gillis went 2-for-3 with three RBI.
GAME 2:
Bridgeport scored unearned runs in the top of the first and second innings before the Wildcats finally came through in the sixth for the sweep.
With two outs and two on in the sixth, Bella Barnes was hit by a pitch to load the bases and extend the inning. Haley Downin stepped in and pulled a ball down the left field line, chasing Alexa Eisemann and Eve Serrato home to tie the game, 2-2. Tristyn Stewart followed right behind with a single down the left field line, plating Bella Barnes for the go-ahead run, 3-2.
Delani Sheehan allowed a one-out hit in the top of the seventh and then hit a batter to put the go-ahead run on first base with two outs. Bu Sheehan buckled down and picked up a strikeout to end the game.
Sheehan went the distance with allowing two unearned runs on seven hits while scoring out three batters.
Tristyn Stewart went 3-for-4 with the game winning RBI while Eve Serrato went 2-for-3 with a triple.
UP NEXT:
The Wildcats are back in action on Monday afternoon when they travel to St. Thomas Aquinas for a nonconference doubleheader. The first pitch is slated for 2:30 p.m. in Sparkill, New York.