EC vs. Palm Beach Atlantic University (Game 1)
EC vs. Palm Beach Atlantic University (Game 2)
PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla. – Palm Beach Atlantic University continued to have the upper hand in the season series against the Eckerd College softball program, prevailing on the diamond in a doubleheader sweep on Wednesday by scores 8-0 (5 innings) and 6-4.
The Tritons (9-28 overall) dropped their fourth and fifth consecutive games to the Sailfish (20-13 overall), who again rode strong performances from the arms of winning pitchers Mary Pippin and Chris Donovan.
Pesky PBA leadoff hitter Kara Anderson had two hits, scored two runs and stole two bases in the opener as the Sailfish scored in the first three innings. The game was broken open with a four-run third as runs crossed home plate on a wild pitch, infield error and a single and double.
Pippin allowed a pair of hits to EC leadoff hitter Julie Bierchen, who singled to begin the game and dropped down another bunt for a hit in the third frame.
There were two outs and a runner on base when the first game ended as Anderson was plated on an RBI single to center field.
Eckerd proved to be a tough win for Palm Beach Atlantic in the finale, facing a 6-1 deficit in the top of the seventh.
The Tritons ran off three runs, but the margin was too much to overcome.
Ashleigh Bynum put EC on the scoreboard in the fifth inning with a two-out RBI single to score
Kaitlyn Dougherty, who originally reached on a walk.
In the seventh,
Alex Sasso, Brittany Mitchell and Dougherty, clobbered back-to-back-to-back doubles for a pair of runs before
Chelsea Jeffares' plate discipline resulted in a bases-loaded RBI walk.
With the bases still loaded and the tying and go-ahead runs on base, Palm Beach Atlantic was able to get the final out of the game on a strikeout looking to escape EC's late valiant comeback attempt.
The Tritons will look to put an end of their current seven-game slide as they host Florida Tech in Sunshine State Conference play for a three-game homestand beginning Friday night at 7 p.m.
