Charleston, W.Va. — Charleston softball swept West Virginia Wesleyan in a conference doubleheader on Sunday, highlighted by a walk-off home run in game one and a complete offensive performance in game two.
Game 1
The Basics:
Location: Charleston, W.Va.
Score: Charleston 1, West Virginia Wesleyan 0 (9 innings)
Records: Charleston 38-13 (20-5 MEC), West Virginia Wesleyan 16-29 (8-17 MEC)
How It Happened:
Game one turned into a pitcher's duel early as both sides were held scoreless through eight innings. Charleston had an early chance in the first after a Bianca Polistina single and a Kayla Moran walk, but could not capitalize.
Addison Mass controlled the game from the circle, striking out 11 and allowing just two hits while consistently working out of any trouble. West Virginia Wesleyan's best opportunity came in the third inning after reaching on an error and a walk, but Mass shut it down with back-to-back outs.
Charleston threatened again in the fifth when Kaleigh Serra tripled to left field, but the Golden Eagles were unable to bring her home, keeping the game tied at 0-0.
After a quiet eighth inning for both teams, Mass returned to the circle in the ninth and quickly retired the side to give Charleston one last chance. In the bottom of the inning, Taylor Hodson delivered the game's biggest moment, launching a walk-off solo home run to right field to secure the 1-0 extra-inning victory.
Game 1
The Basics:
Location: Charleston, W.Va.
Score: Charleston 5, West Virginia Wesleyan 1
Records: Charleston 39-13 (21-5 MEC), West Virginia Wesleyan 16-30 (8-18 MEC)
How It Happened:
Charleston wasted no time creating offense in game two, breaking through in the second inning. Danielle Pici singled to start the rally, followed by a Kaleigh Serra hit to put runners in scoring position. Maya Hataway delivered with an RBI single, and an outfield error allowed two runs to score and give Charleston a 2-0 lead.
The Golden Eagles added to the lead in the third when Bianca Polistina tripled and later scored on a sacrifice fly from Kayla Moran, extending the advantage to 3-0.
Charleston continued to apply pressure in the fifth inning. Hataway singled again to start things, and Polistina came through with an RBI double to make it 4-0. Another defensive miscue by Wesleyan allowed Polistina to score, pushing the lead to 5-0.
West Virginia Wesleyan got on the board in the sixth inning with an RBI single, but Cali Masters limited the damage and closed out the game. Masters tossed a complete game, allowing just one run on four hits while keeping the Golden Eagles in control the entire way.
Up Next:
Charleston returns to action April 30th for a conference doubleheader against Frostburg State University at 2:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m.
