ABILENE, Texas – The Southwestern University Pirates split a doubleheader against the McMurry University War Hawks this Sunday in Abilene on Edwards Field.
Starting pitchers Hope Schoeneman and Southwestern University's Lindsey Longuet faced off in a pitchers' duel with both going the distance before McMurry broke the game open in the bottom of the sixth.
Longuet had struck out eight War Hawk hitters overall in the six innings and only allowed two hits the entire game, however, Savannah Flinn, who was on second, reached home plate after Emily Michki singled, hitting the ball left center of the field and scored one run in the bottom of the sixth. The Pirates were unable to score any runs in the top of the seventh, ending the first game 1-0.
In the second game, McMurry got the early lead scoring a run in the first inning, however, the Pirates bounced back in the third after Jordan Farbe scored the first run for Southwestern on the throw. Kaitlynn Copher then doubled, hitting the ball right center of the field to allow Katelyn Francis to advance to third and Sydney Scott to score. Freshman Madyson Runge would also single hitting the ball up the middle giving Francis the opportunity to score another run for the Pirates and then Jessey Nunez doubled to left center letting Runge score one more run in the third inning giving the Pirates a 4-2 lead.
In the fourth inning, both Pirates and War Hawks did not score, but in the top of the fifth with the bases loaded, Izzy Richey doubled after hitting the ball left center allowing Tori Montemayor, Jessey Nunez and Alex Fletes to score, giving Richey three RBI's. Next, Sydney Scott singled to left field giving Richey the go to reach home plate, and then Scott would score again on a fielders choice, making the game 9-2.
Pitcher Lexi Shafer held the War Hawks off in the bottom of the fifth inning, letting the Pirates take the second game victory.
"Our pitchers had a great day in the circle. This team will learn to give them the support they need early. We will get better at making adjustments sooner and finding ways to push runs even against good pitching" says coach Emeral Doria.
With the split, the Pirates record is now 3-1 after the first weekend. They will now get ready to play back at home in Georgetown against Our Lady of the Lake University on Friday, Feb. 21, at 5 and 7 p.m.
For more SU Pirate photos, please see Carlos Barron Photography