Softball edged in pair of one-run losses at KCU
GRAYSON, Ky. (March 1, 2023) – The Milligan University softball team opened Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC) play with a doubleheader at Kentucky Christian on Wednesday. The Buffs were on the losing end of a pair of one-run losses, 1-0 and 6-5 (eight innings).
GRAYSON, Ky. (March 1, 2023) – The Milligan University softball team opened Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC) play with a doubleheader at Kentucky Christian on Wednesday. The Buffs were on the losing end of a pair of one-run losses, 1-0 and 6-5 (eight innings).
The Buffs fell to 4-2 on the season and 0-2 in AAC play. KCU rose to 8-10, 2-0 AAC.
Game 1 – KCU 1, Milligan 0
Starting pitcher Erin Forgety allowed just one unearned run on four hits with eight strikeouts and one walk. KCU scratched across a run in the bottom of the fifth inning with an error, sacrifice bunt and two-out base hit to score the game's lone run.
Katie Cronin doubled in the top of the first inning but was stranded on third base. Pinch runner Sadie Shoun was stranded on second base in the fourth inning.
Milligan loaded the bases with two outs in the top of the sixth but could not find a hit to bring home the tying run. KCU loaded the bases with nobody out in the bottom of frame but Forgety posted a strikeout and two lineouts to end the inning. The Buffs put a runner on second in seventh but were unable to score in the 1-0 defeat.
Game 2 – KCU 6, Milligan 5 (8 innings)
The Buffs shook off their scoreless game one with two runs in the top of the first inning in game two. Cronin scored on an error and Grace Jones was walked in to give Milligan a 2-0 lead. Bailey Cantrell knocked in Jones in the fifth to give Milligan a 3-1 edge.
Heading into the bottom of the seventh, the Buffs clung to a 3-2 lead. The Knights tied the game on a Buff error and had the winning run 60 feet away from scoring before Forgety retired the final two batters.
The Buffs scored twice in the top of the eighth when Jones plated Maggie Johnson and Alexis Brown scored Jones with a base hit. KCU quickly tied the game in the bottom of the inning with a two-run homer. A Knights single, a groundout that advanced the runner and a single into center field brought home the winning run for KCU.
Jones went 4-5 with three runs scored and an RBI. Forgety pitched the final 4.1 innings and went 2-2 at the plate. Johnson also had two hits.
Milligan returns to action with another AAC doubleheader at Union on Monday.
