Charleston, W.Va. — Charleston softball split day two of the Golden Eagle Invitational at home on Saturday, opening the day with a dominant 16–1 run-rule victory over Edinboro before falling 4–2 to Shepherd in the nightcap.
Game 1
THE BASICS:
Location: Watt Powell Annex | UC Softball Field | Charleston, W.Va.
score: Charleston 16, Edinboro 1 (5 innings)
Records: Charleston 5-2 (0-0 MEC); Edinboro 0-3 (0-0 PSAC)
How it Happened:
Edinboro opened the scoring in the top of the first after a hit-by-pitch and a walk put runners on before a stolen base and a throwing error allowed the run to score. Charleston threatened in the bottom of the inning but left runners on base.
The Golden Eagles broke through in the second with an eight-run inning that flipped the game. After a leadoff walk and stolen base, Emily Zucchero drove in two runs with a double to left center to give Charleston its first lead. Taylor Hodson followed with an RBI single, and Emily Smith extended the inning with a three-RBI double. Charleston continued to apply pressure as additional runs scored on defensive miscues, allowing the Golden Eagles to build an 8–1 advantage.
Charleston put the game out of reach in the fourth with another eight-run frame. The inning opened with back-to-back baserunners before C. Masters delivered a pinch-hit RBI single to bring home the first run of the inning. R. Wood followed with a two-RBI triple to right center, and S. Compton added an RBI single as Charleston continued to string together quality at-bats. The Golden Eagles added several more runs by forcing Edinboro errors and staying aggressive on the bases, pushing the lead to 16–1.
Addison Mass worked around the early run and settled in for the remainder of the game, retiring hitters efficiently and allowing just two hits as Charleston secured the run-rule victory in five innings.
Game 2
The Basics:
Location: Watt Powell Annex | UC Softball Field | Charleston, W.Va.
Score: Charleston 2, Shepherd 4
Records: Charleston 5–3 (0-0 MEC) | Shepherd 1-1 (0-0 PSAC)
How It Happened:
Shepherd wasted no time in the nightcap, scoring two runs in the top of the first. A leadoff single and walk set the table before a bunt RBI single brought in the first run, followed by an RBI groundout to make it 2–0.
The game remained scoreless through the middle innings as Shepherd pitching limited Charleston's offense. The Rams added to their lead in the fifth when a single and stolen base put a runner in scoring position before an RBI single brought the score to 3–0.
Shepherd tacked on an insurance run in the top of the seventh with an RBI double to left center to extend the lead to 4–0.
Charleston made things interesting in the bottom of the seventh. After reaching base on an error and drawing a walk, Emily Zucchero delivered a two-RBI double to left center to cut the deficit to 4–2. The Golden Eagles brought the tying run to the plate, but Shepherd was able to close out the game and hold on for the win.
Up Next:
Charleston continues its homestand by hosting the UC Invitational on February 27–28, opening the event against Ashland University on Thursday at 2:00 p.m.
