ST. PETERSBURG -- The Eckerd Tritons softball team erupted for 26 runs across two games on Tuesday, defeating the Webber International Warriors by scores of 5-1 and 21-1.
In game one, the Tritons fell behind 1-0 following a Webber International run in the top of the second inning. The Warriors held the one-run edge through a scoreless third, but Eckerd seized control with a four-run fourth. An error by the visitors allowed the first two Triton runs to score before Gracie Ciccarello delivered a two-out double to push the advantage to 4-1.
Starting pitcher Brandilyn Reymer was dominant in the circle, striking out the side in both the fourth and fifth innings on her way to 13 punchouts. Eckerd added an insurance run in the fifth when Jazz Jones laid down an RBI bunt single to extend the lead to four. Reymer struck out two more in the sixth and worked around a single in the seventh to earn the victory, allowing just three hits and zero earned runs.
The Eckerd offense exploded for 21 runs on 19 hits in game two, responding immediately to a first-inning score from Webber International with two of its own in the bottom half. An error and a sacrifice fly accounted for the first two tallies before four more crossed the plate in the second to give the Tritons a 6-1 lead entering the third. Ciccarello opened the scoring in the frame with an RBI, followed by another Warriors error that plated two more runs. Hannah Taylor capped off the inning with an RBI single.
Eckerd broke the game wide open in the third, scoring 14 runs as 19 batters came to the plate. The outburst began with an infield single from Lex Difato before three consecutive run-scoring doubles by Taylor, Jones, and Abby Lucas stretched the lead to 12-1. Difato drove in her second run of the inning moments later, followed by a wild pitch that brought home another. Taylor added her second RBI double of the frame to plate two more, setting the stage for a three-run home run off the scoreboard by Faith Wharton to make it 19-1. Another error by the Warriors rounded out the scoring.
Ella Coiner added the final run in the fourth with a double to right-center before the game ended by run rule. It is the first time the Tritons have scored 20 or more runs in a single game since 2009.
Elise Roy earned the win in the circle, while four Tritons recorded three-hit performances. Wharton and Taylor each finished with four RBI.
The Tritons return to action Friday with matchups against Columbus State and Montevallo.
