FLORENCE, S.C. – The Barton softball team (12-12, 3-3) fell to Francis Marion (21-6, 6-2) in a Conference Carolinas doubleheader, 4-2 and 8-0, Tuesday at Patriots Stadium.
Game One – Francis Marion 4, Barton 2
The Patriots' Rylie Webster (Yanceyville, N.C.) hit the game-winning, two-run triple in the bottom of the first inning and finished with three runs batted in to lift the Patriots to the win.
In addition, Francis Marion's Jenna Walling (Johns Island, S.C.) improved to 14-3 on the season after allowing just one earned run while striking out nine batters in the complete game victory.
Barton sophomore Emil Bobo (Mount Ephraim, N.J.) fell to 6-6 on the season after taking the loss. Freshman third baseman
Keira Farmer (Monroe, N.C.) had a run-scoring sacrifice fly for the Bulldogs in the loss.
Game Two – Francis Marion 8, Barton 0 (six innings)
Walling (15-3) threw a two-hit shutout to go along with eight strikeouts to lead the Patriots to the sweep.
The Patriots took advantage of some errant Bulldogs pitchers by scoring three runs on either passed balls or wild pitches. Francis Marion's Mikaela Goss (Fuquay-Varina, N.C.) drove in a pair of runs in the victory.
Barton returns home to host UNC Pembroke in a league doubleheader on Saturday afternoon beginning at 1:00 p.m.
Meanwhile, Francis Marion takes on Southern Wesleyan in a conference doubleheader in Central, S.C., on Friday starting at 2:00 p.m.
