COLUMBIA, S.C. - Before heading into spring break, the Rams hosted the University of Pikeville (Ky.) for another Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC) doubleheader. Coming off their first conference win, CIU looked to take both games for their first AAC sweep of the season. The Rams easily took game one, and game two was within reach, but ultimately, they would split the day with the Bears. CIU is now 8-10 overall and 2-6 in conference play.
Game One: CIU 4 UPike 1: CIU took the lead in the bottom of the first after a Caydon Thompson single scored Megan Stolzenbach from second base, and Thompson doubled their lead with a solo shot in the third inning (2-0). The Rams doubled their lead again in the bottom of the sixth after two-out RBI singles from Macey Drye and Carmella Korte. The Bears battled back and pushed one run across the plate in the top of the seventh, but it was not enough to overcome their deficit.
Box Score Highlights:
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Thompson and Dallas Mayers led the team with two hits a piece, while Thompson led with two RBI.
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Thompson is now tied for second in the AAC for RBI.
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Sydnee Dial got the win in game one after allowing four hits and one run in seven innings.
Game Two: UPike 4 CIU 3: Keeping the momentum of game one, the Rams took the lead in the first inning. After reaching on a two-out single, Sophia Noriega came around to score, and a single from Amya Fowler would push Thompson across for a 2-0 lead. Neither team scored again until the fifth inning when both scored one to bring the score to 3-1. The Bears added three runs in the top of the sixth to take a 4-3 lead. Despite loading the bases with no outs in the bottom of the seventh, a double play ended the comeback threat, and the Bears took game two.
Box Score Highlights:
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Thompson and Amya led the team with two hits.
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The Rams did not record a single error and turned three double plays.
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Jada Cox closed out the game, allowing only one hit in 1.1 innings pitched.
Up Next: CIU heads to Melbourne, Fla., next week, March 12-14, to play five games at the Space Coast Spring Games.