Softball walks-off (RV) Truett McConnell to earn AAC split

MILLIGAN, Tenn. (April 5, 2023) – The Milligan University softball team used walk-off win in game two to secure a critical Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC) doubleheader split against Truett McConnell at Anglin Field on Wednesday. The Buffs dropped the opening game 6-0 before rallying for four runs in the seventh inning to stun the Bears 7-6.

Milligan improves its AAC postseason hopes with a win over one of the top teams in the AAC. The Buffs are now 17-11 overall and 13-11 in the AAC. Truett McConnell, who received votes in the latest edition of the NAIA national rankings, moves to 24-10, 15-5 AAC.

Game 1 – Truett McConnell 6, Milligan 0

The Buffs managed just three baserunners against TMU starting pitcher Kyleigh Sanders. Katie Cronin had two hits and Grace Jones walked early in the game.

The Bears scored one run in the second, third and sixth innings to build a 3-0 lead. A two-run homer helped TMU extend its advantage to 6-0 in the seventh.

Despite the quiet day at the plate, Jones and Cronin combined to steal three bases in the defeat.

Game 2 – Milligan 7, Truett McConnel 6

The Buffs overcame an early 4-0 deficit and trailed 6-3 late but rallied back with four runs in the final inning to knock off the Bears.

TMU led 4-3 going into the top of the seventh and added a pair of runs to lead by three runs. Alexis Brown, Kate Pendleton and Libby Jaynes all had base hits to load the bases with nobody out. Stephanie Steele walked with the bases loaded to make it a 6-4 ballgame. Layney Loyd tied the game with a double and reached third as Loyd and Steele both were at third base at the end of the play, resulting in an out.

Hanna Taylor delivered the Buffs to a 7-6 victory with a single through the right side to bring home Loyd and clinch the one-run victory.

The Buffs outhit TMU 13-8 in the ballgame and walked six times. Cronin had two doubles and was walked twice. Loyd was 3-4 with a double, three RBI and two runs scored.

Kate Pendleton was the winning pitcher as she recorded all 21 outs and allowed five runs, three earned, on six hits with five strikeouts in the win.

Milligan travels to Bryan for a key AAC doubleheader next Saturday.