Box Score 1 |
Box Score 2
by Kevin Buczek
SALISBURY, N.C.-Catawba College nearly registered a perfect game in the opener but freshman Rachel Jordan broke it up with a two-out single in the top of the seventh and then the Indians then held off a late rally by Barton College in the nightcap after senior Rebecka Morgan ripped a three-run homer in the seventh inning en route to a 2-0 and 4-3 non-conference sweep on Wednesday afternoon at Whitley Field.
Catawba (8-5 overall) held Barton (1-7) to just four hits over the doubleheader. The Lady Bulldogs are next scheduled to visit Elizabeth City State University on Saturday before hosting Chowan University on Sunday in the squad's home opener at Jeffries Field. Both twin bills slated for a 12:30 p.m. start. (Fans are encouraged to check BartonBulldogs.com for schedule updates in case of inclement weather).
Jordan had half of Barton's hits with a single in each contest.
GAME ONE: Catawba 2, Barton 0
Freshman right-handed starter Carley Tysinger was one strike away from hurling the first perfect game in Catawba College fastpitch softball program history before Jordan spoiled the opportunity by pulling a 1-2 pitch through a hole between shortstop and third base.
Tysinger issued a walk to Morgan after Jordan's base knock to put the tying runner on base but a groundout ended the threat and game. Tysinger improved to 6-0 with her dominating one-hit shutout that included 10 strikeouts.
Barton senior starter Elizabeth Webb kept the Lady Bulldogs in the game with her second straight complete game. Webb kept the Tribe off the scoreboard until the sixth inning. Webb (1-3) took the loss scattering seven hits and issuing five walks while striking out three.
Catawba left seven runners on base over the first five innings before a two-out single by senior Amanda Terry in the sixth plated the games two runs. Terry was 2-for-3 with a walk.
GAME TWO: Catawba 4, Barton 3
The Indians scored the second games first four runs and then held off a Bulldog rally in the seventh to complete the sweep. Sophomore starter Selena Ashley picked up the complete-game victory for Catawba.
Ashley (2-2) took a one-hit shutout bid into the seventh inning before Barton rallied with its three runs. Junior pinch hitter Jasmine Jones started the Bulldogs comeback efforts with a leadoff single up the middle of the infield. An Indian throwing error on an ensuing fielder's choice put the second Barton runner on base before Morgan stepped into the batter's box. Morgan corked the first pitch she saw over the center field fence for her first home run of the season. Morgan's three RBI pulled the Bulldogs to within one, 4-3, with no outs but Ashley and the Indians escaped after a foul fly and two groundouts.
Catawba plated three runs in the fourth and what proved to be the game-winning run in the fifth. Morgan Brann started the scoring with a two-run homer and Tara Gibbs followed with a solo shot for back-to-back dingers. A pair of doubles in the fifth knocked in the Indians much needed insurance run.
Junior Autumn Pittman took the loss for BC allowing four runs on seven hits over six innings. Pittman (0-2) had a pair of strikeouts. Jordan had the Bulldogs only hit over the first six frames with a base knock to center in the first.
