GRAYSON, Ky. – Coming off a pair of losses on Tuesday, CIU looked to stay in the playoff picture as they took on Kentucky Christian University (KCU). The Knights entered the game in the top three of the Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC) standings and looked the part as they took down the Rams in game one. CIU retaliated in game two, thanks partly to strong pitching, and walked away with a 7-5 win to split the series.
Game One: Kentucky Christian opened the game with six unanswered runs stretching into the third inning. CIU responded when Hallie Miller hit a single to center field to collect the first run for the Rams. The Rams retaliated at the bottom of the inning with three more runs. In the sixth inning, Miller hit a double that consequently started a Rams rally that would score three more runs and cut the Knights' lead to three. KCU was up for the challenge, however, and scored five runs in the sixth to grab the win..
Box Notes:
- Lauren Baker had two home runs, the most in a game this season for any Rams player. Josie Self also hit her second homer of the season.
- KCU outhit CIU 16-8 and the teams drew an even number of walks with two.
- Cissy Doolittle pitched half of the game for CIU, giving up four earned runs and just one walk.
Game Two: CIU grabbed the lead early in the third inning thanks to RBI hits from Dallas Mayers, Miller, and Josie Self, and didn't let go until the seventh, when the Knights crossed home plate three times to force extra innings. CIU scored two more runs thanks to singles from Macey Drye and Margaret Schubert. With two outs, the Knights had the tying run at the plate but grounded out to finish the game.
Box Notes:
- Schubert had three hits to lead CIU's offense, and Megan Stolzenbach hit a triple in the third.
- Miranda Fulmer pitched six innings for the Rams with recorded four strikeouts.
Up Next: CIU will take the weekend off before heading across town to take on archrival Columbia College in a Wednesday night series. First pitches are slated for 4 PM and 6 PM.
