Union splits doubleheader against Kentucky Christian

Barbourville, Ky. - On Monday, the Union Commonwealth University softball team played in a conference doubleheader against Kentucky Christian. The Bulldogs won the first game 11-5, but lost the second game 7-3.

Game One:

The Bulldogs got an early lead in the bottom of the first inning. With two outs, Sarah Lowe reached first on a walk. Taylor Whisonant followed with a single to right field to score Lowe, which gave Union a 1-0 lead.

The Knights swiftly retaliated by notching one run in the top of the second inning to go with a three-run surge in the third that vaulted them into a 4-1 lead.

In the bottom of the third, Megan Merritt was walked, while Lowe and Whisonant subsequently worked their way on base to load the bags. Kinsley Redmon was walked, which trimmed the deficit.

Tori Turner entered the game as a pinch runner for Whisonant. Shelby Easton's RBI single brought Lowe home. With the bases still packed, pinch hitter Savannah Dehart drew a walk to knot the score at 4-4.

The momentum swung decisively in Union's favor in the bottom of the fourth. Leea Cole set the tone with a lead-off double, which paved the way for Merritt's sacrifice bunt. Lowe's sacrifice fly then reclaimed Union's lead 5-4.

In the bottom of the sixth, Kaley Harris kickstarted the inning with a single to right field, which was swiftly followed by Kayla Keller's well-placed single to center field. Cole then stepped up with a single to left field that scored Harris home. Keller then stole third, while Cole stole second.

Keller then stole home to tack on another run for Union. After a walk and a fielder's choice, Whisonant hit an RBI single to score Merritt. Ryleigh Petrey then pinch-ran for Whisonant, and she then scored on a passed ball.

After an error and a stolen base, Ryleigh Mcleskey hit an RBI single that scored Redmon, while Shelby Easton stole home. The Bulldogs surged ahead 11-4.

The Knights scored one more run in the top of the sixth, but could not make a comeback. Cole added another complete game to her stats as she had two strikeouts and only allowed two walks.

Offensively, Whisonant led the way, going three-for-three with two RBIs.

Game Two:

The game remained deadlocked until the bottom of the third when Megan McGinley and Cole ignited a rally with consecutive singles. Redmon then delivered an RBI double that brought McGinley home and propelled Union to a 1-0 advantage.

In the ensuing inning, Lowe kickstarted the offense with a single to left field, which paved the way for Keller's RBI double that stretched the Bulldogs' lead to 2-0.

However, the Knights fought back in the top of the sixth as they rallied to tie the game 2-2. Union quickly responded in the bottom half of the inning. Cole connected on a leadoff single, while an error allowed Redmond to reach base. Keller hit an RBI single to put Union ahead 3-2.

Despite Union's efforts, Kentucky Christian had a comeback in the top of the seventh as the Knights scored five runs to secure a 7-3 victory.

Carly Cain and Merritt appeared on the mound. Offensively, Keller led the way going two-for-three with two RBIs. Cole also went two-for-four with one run scored.

The Bulldogs are now 9-13 (7-7 AAC) this season, while Kentucky Chrstian is 10-18 (8-10 AAC). Up next for Union is a road doubleheader against No. 6 Cumberlands on Thursday, March 28, beginning at 3:00 p.m.