Central, SC – Southern Wesleyan split the series against Francis Marion on Friday afternoon. The Warriors took down the Patriots in game one in walk off fashion with a 5-4 final. They then dropped game two 5-2.
The Warriors totaled 10 hits in the first game of the afternoon with Abby Schreiner leading the team by going 3 for 3 at the plate. Schreiner doubled twice and Marissa Moreland picked up one double. Southern Wesleyan walked twice and Reagan Fulcher was hit by a pitch. Olivia Haag started game one of the series in the circle and pitched a complete game while only allowing six hits.
Southern Wesleyan totaled five hits in their second game of the day. Rebecca Lamb led the team with two hits with one being a double. Marissa Moreland hit her third home run of the season. The Warriors walked three times and Maddie Crouch was hit by a pitch. Chloe Smith pitched a complete game for the Warriors and struck out four batters.
Game Vitals
Game One Final: Southern Wesleyan 5, Francis Marion 4
Game Two Final: Francis Marion 5, Southern Wesleyan 2
Records: Southern Wesleyan (16-8 / CC 5-2) Francis Marion (22-7 / CC 7-3)
How It Happened
Game One
The Patriots were quickly on the board in the first game of the series as they brought runs in to score in the first and second innings. Francis Marion extended their lead to 4-0 as they brought another run in to score in the top of the sixth.
Southern Wesleyan answered in the bottom of the sixth inning. Rebecca Lamb led off the inning by hitting a single into left center field. With Haydin Williams pinch running for Lamb, Chloe Smith hit a single into center field to allow Williams to advance to second base. With one out, Abby Schreiner hit a double into left field to allow Williams to come in to score the Warriors first run of the game. With two runners in scoring position, Maddie Crouch ground out to allow Smith to come in to score. Megan Ware followed by hitting a single past the diving Patriots' shortstop to allow Schreiner to come in to score and put the Warriors behind the Patriots 4-3.
The Warriors would not back down as they clinched the win the bottom of the seventh inning. Marissa Moreland led off by sending the ball through the left side of the infield for a single. Moreland advanced to second as Reagan Fulcher was hit by the third pitch she saw. With one out, Chloe Smith hit a single up the middle to bring Moreland in to score and tie the game up. An error at third allowed Olivia Haag to reach first and brought Chalee Roper in to score the winning run for the Warriors. Southern Wesleyan won the first game of the series in a 5-4 final.
Game Two
Francis Marion was first on the board once again in the second game of the series as in the top of the first inning a ground out by Jenna Walling allowed Madalyn White to come in to score.
Southern Wesleyan tied the game up in the bottom of the inning as Marissa Moreland came up to the plate and sent the fifth pitch she saw over the left center field fence for a solo home run.
In the top of the fifth inning, the Patriots pulled ahead as a sacrifice fly and a double brought three runs across home plate.
The Warriors challenged in the bottom of the fifth inning. Megan Ware led off the inning with a single and then advanced to second on a wild pitch. Marissa Moreland and Reagan Fulcher each walked to load up the bases. However, Rebecca Lamb hit into a fielder's choice on the next play to take Ware off the bases. With the bases loaded, Chloe Smith reached first on a four pitch walk that allowed Moreland to come in to score the Warriors second run of the game.
The Patriots would not relent as a single by Madalyn White allowed Claire Neely to come in to score to give Francis Marion a 5-2 run victory.
What's Next
Southern Wesleyan will travel to Franklin Springs, GA to take on the Emmanuel Lions on March 14. On March 17, the Warriors will hit the road to Due West, SC to take on the Erskine Flying Fleet. They will return home on March 20 to host the University of Mount Olive Trojans.
