INDIANAPOLIS – The Spring Arbor University nearly knocked off nationally ranked Marian University Monday. The Cougars scored in the top of the seventh to tie the score, but the No. 16 Knights walked-off with a 6-5 win in the bottom of the seventh.
Marian completed the doubleheader sweep with a 7-0 win in game two.
THE BASICS
SCORES: Spring Arbor 5, (16) Marian 6
Spring Arbor 0, (16) Marian 7
LOCATION: Indianapolis, Ind.
RECORDS: Spring Arbor 7-10 (1-5 CL), Marian 13-2 (5-1 CL)
GAME 1 HIGHLIGHTS
- MacKenzie Collins drove home Gabby Nafziger with a base hit in the top of the fourth inning to cut into Marian's lead, 2-1.
- The Cougars took the lead with a three-run fifth inning – highlighted by RBI hits by Emmalee Hamp and Nafziger.
- Marian had an answer, however, scoring three times in the sixth to jump back in front 5-4.
- Spring Arbor tied the score in the seventh on a RBI double by Hamp, but the Knights responded again in the home half of the frame to walk-off with a 6-5 win.
- Four Cougars recorded two hits in the game, including Hamp, who had two RBI's and a run scored. Jessie Panchaud had two doubles and scored twice.
- Hamp suffered the loss in the circle. The sophomore pitcher gave up six runs and struck out four over 6.2 innings of work.
GAME 2 HIGHLIGHTS
- Marian opened game two with two home runs in the bottom of the first inning to grab a quick 3-0 lead.
- The Knights added three more runs in the second inning on their way to sweeping the doubleheader.
- Senior pitcher Kelsey Sturgeon was hit with the loss. Collins pitched 4.1 innings of relief and held Marian to one run on two hits.
UP NEXT
Spring Arbor is scheduled to host the University of Saint Francis on Thursday, Mar. 24 starting at 3 p.m.