UTC-Elon Box Score (Game 1)
UTC-Elon Box Score (Game 2)
ELON, N.C. --- In her best start since making her season debut on Mar. 5, Brooke Loudermilk put together a career performance in the Chattanooga softball team's 6-3 win over Elon in Game 1 of a doubleheader on Sunday. Loudermilk struck out 16 batters in UTC's win, surpassing her previous total of 15, as the Lady Mocs (16-15/7-2 SoCon) split their doubleheader with the Phoenix. Elon (9-14/1-5 SoCon) took the second game of the twin bill 2-1.
Despite her dominating performance in the contest, Loudermilk did not receive a decision in the victory as the Lady Mocs squandered a 3-1 lead in the bottom of the seventh. Kaity Holloway (3-1) finished out the game in the eight for the win, while Melanie Helterbran (3-7) was tagged with the loss.
In Game 2 a late rally by the Phoenix halted the Lady Mocs' winning streak at two as Elon captured the 2-1 win. Kandice Irwin (5-9) pitched well, allowing only one earned run and striking out seven, but was tagged with the loss. Pam Del Pizzo (2-2) got the win for Elon.
In Game 1, Chattanooga recorded the game's first run on a RBI single from Michelle Fuzzard in the opening inning. The lead would not last long however, as the Elon nodded the game up at one with the aid of an Ashlee Crewe double.
The Lady Mocs answered right back in the top of the fourth though, thanks to run scoring singles by Tiffany Baker and Jenni Martin. Martin was one of four UTC hitters with multiple hits along with Lyndsey Stiles, Fuzzard and Toni Hutchison.
In the fourth, fifth and sixth innings, Loudermilk continued to dominate, striking out seven hitters in the three frames.
The junior ran into some trouble in the seventh however, allowing a walk and a single after retiring the first hitter via the strikeout. Loudermilk was then pulled from the contest in favor of Holloway. The sophomore was able to get out the first batter she faced but was unable to finish the Phoenix off. Kaitlyn Piazzolla hit a dribbler up the middle for an infield hit to drive in Jacqueline Gonzalez. In an attempt to throw out Piazzolla at first, Jessica Traxler's throw was errant, allowing Patti Weber to score which tied the game.
Holloway would get out of the jam by getting out Melanie Helterbran on a fielder's choice, sending the game into extra innings.
In the top of the eighth, Hutchison started the inning off with a leadoff single. After Martin was retired on a failed bunt attempt, Brittany Eason drew a walk to put runners at first and second. The next batter was Traxler and the freshman came up big for the Lady Mocs with a two-run double to put UTC on top 5-3. Stiles gave Chattanooga another insurance run to give the Lady Mocs a 6-3 lead heading into the bottom half of the eighth.
In Elon's half of the frame, Holloway walked the first runner but halted the attempted rally in its tracks as the pitcher retired the next three batters in order for the win.
In Game 2, both teams were unable to accumulate a much offense as the two squads scattered 11 hits.
With both teams scoreless, Baker gave Chattanooga its lone run with a solo home run to rightfield in the fourth inning.
Irwin ran into some tough luck in the sixth. Brandi Jones began the frame with a home run of her own on the first pitch of the inning to tie the game at one apiece. After a Gonzalez strikeout, Weber reached first on a bunt single. After another strikeout by Irwin, a Baker error allowed Piazzola to reach, keeping the inning alive.
Lauren Taylor was the next batter and hit a ball up the middle. Baker was able to stop the ball from reaching the outfield with a dive, but Weber was able to score from second.
In the top of the seventh, Stiles reached first via the walk but was left stranded as Del Pizzo retired Kaiti Kelly, Fuzzard and Baker.
The Lady Mocs will return home for a mid-weed doubleheader against Tennessee State on Wednesday, April 1. First pitch is scheduled for 4 p.m. from Jim Frost Stadium.
Live stats will be available at GoMocs.com.
