Softball improves to 11-3
SPARTANBURG, SC- The Lady Pioneers returned to the field on Saturday afternoon as they hosted the Surry Community College Knights. SMC swept the double header winning game one 2-1 and game two 4-2 and improved to 11-3 on the year.
GAME ONE: SMC jumped out to a quick 2-0 over Surry in the first inning. Freshman Mary Hart (Harrisburg, NC/Hickory Ridge High) blasted a triple and scored on a ground out. Sophomore Kolby Harrison (Simpsonville, SC/J.L. Mann High) who reached on a infield single scored on freshman Bailey Pearson's (Duncan, SC/Byrnes High) two out single to left field. The Pioneers would threaten to score but left seven runners on base in scoring position over the next five at bats. Sophomore hurler Carson O' Donald (Greenville, SC/J.L. Mann High) (7IP, 1R, 4H, 7K) improved to 5-2 in the circle on the season. Hart led the Pioneers at the plate going 2-2 with 1R, 3B, 2B, BB. Pearson and Morgan Smith (Greenville, SC/J.L. Mann High) each added two singles.
GAME TWO: Game two started just like game one as the Pioneers collected two runs in their first at bat. Hart (3-4, 2R, 2-2B) led off the game with a double to left field and scored on Harrison's triple. Hill followed with a double to drive in Harrison. SMC collected nine hits in the game but again left seven runners on base. Freshman Leah McCoy (Landis, NC/West Rowan High) picked up her second win of the season and her first complete game. McCoy worked seven innings and allowed two runs, one earned and struck out five Surry hitters.
It would take the Pioneers to the bottom of the seventh to earn the win. Hart led off with a single and advanced to second base on Morgan Howard's (Mt. Pleasant, SC/Wando High) sacrifice bunt. Hart would trot around after Caroline Hill (Inman, SC/Chapman High) (2-4, 3RBI, 2B, HR) blasted the first pitch of her at bat deep center field for a walk off home run and a Pioneer 4-2 win.
Hart led the Pioneers on the day going 5-6 with four extra base hits.
SMC improves to 11-3 overall and will return to action on Tuesday as they host Montreat College for a double header at 1:00pm.
