COLUMBIA, SC - CIU softball continued its Georgia tour in Gainesville to take on the Brenau Golden Tigers. After a disappointing result against Truett McConnell yesterday, the Rams looked to bounce back against the Golden Tigers. After an impressive offensive day from CIU, the Rams would split the series with the reigning AAC tournament champions.
Game 1: CIU 9 BU 6
How It happened:
- The CIU bats sprang to life in the 1st inning. Tanaya Ellis got things going for the Rams with a leadoff triple to left-center field. Ashlee Chinn would hit an RBI single in the next at-bat, scoring Ellis from third. Later in the side, Kayla Washington grounded out to short but scored Ashlee Chinn in the process, giving CIU a 2-0 lead.
- The Rams bats didn't slow down in the 3rd. Ashlee Chinn bunted and reached first on a Golden Tiger error, Tanaya Ellis would score on the same error. Later in the side, Kaitlynn Creel hit an RBI single up the middle, scoring Ashlee Chinn from third. Shannon Patton smashed a double to right-center, scoring both Kaitlynn Creel and Kaylyn Devaney. CIU wasn't done, as Madison Janning singled up the middle to bat in Shannon Patton. Robyn Andrews got in on the offensive action, singling to right-center scoring Madison Janning in the process. The Rams jumped out to a commanding 8-0 lead after just three innings.
- Brenau had an answer and would score five quick runs in the bottom of the 3rd, Closing the gap with CIU to just three runs.
- Brenau would inch closer to CIUs lead in the bottom of the 4th, scoring a run off of an RBI double.
- The Rams responded with a run in the top of the 4th, from a Madison Janning single, scoring Haylee Wilkerson, giving the Rams a 9-6 lead.
- CIU would hold onto its three-run lead, to tame the Golden Tigers in game one.
Box Score Highlights
- CIU had multiple Rams contribute offensively. Madison Janning picked up three hits, two RBIs and one run. Kaitlynn Creel followed up with two hits, one RBI and one run. Ashlee Chinn had a solid day with two runs, one hit, and one RBI. Shannon Patton also contributed with two RBIs, one hit and a run.
- Tanaya Ellis had an impressive day on the bases and hitting with two runs and two hits, one of which was a triple.
- Reagan Cox took over pitching in the 3rd inning, surrendering only six hits, one run in four innings.
Game 2: CIU 3 BU 8
How It Happened:
- Brenau struck first, scoring a run off of a sacrifice fly out. The Golden Tigers scored another run in the 2nd, off of a homer by Karly Smith.
- The Rams tied things up in the 3rd, from a Tanaya Ellis triple to deep right field. Ashlee Chinn would hit a single up the middle to score Ellis from third.
- Brenau gained an advantage in the 4th, scoring a run on a sacrifice fly out, giving the Golden Tigers a 2-1 lead.
- Brenau would score another run in the 5th, inching out to a 4-1 lead.
- The CIU offense drew within one of Brenau in the top of the 6th as Shannon Patton blasted a two-run homer making it 4-3 heading into the bottom of the 6th.
- Brenau went on a scoring spree in the bottom of the 6th, scoring four runs commanding an 8-3 lead over the Rams.
- CIU ultimately conceded the game to Brenau, splitting the series with the Golden Tigers.
Box Score Highlights
Up Next:
CIU is set to square off at Point University on Friday at 2/4 PM.
