Union falls in doubleheader at CIU

Columbia, SC. – The Union Commonwealth University softball team played at Columbia International in a doubleheader on Saturday. The Bulldogs fell 14-6 in five innings in the first game, while falling 2-1 in seven innings in the second matchup.

Game One:

CIU tallied five runs in the bottom of the first inning. In the top of the third inning, an RBI single by Megan Merritt scored Kaley Harris. In the bottom of the inning, CIU tallied five runs to take a 10-1 lead.

In the top of the fourth, Sarah Lowed scored when Kaley Harris reached first base on a fielder's choice RBI. CIU tallied one run in the bottom of the inning.

In the top of the fifth inning, Leea Cole began the side with a single. On the next at bat, Merritt reached first base off an error. Ashleigh McLeskey singled on the next at bat, while Cole scored off an error.

On the next at bat, Lowe registered a three-run home run. It was Lowe's seventh homer of the season. CIU would win the matchup 14-6 in five innings.

Cole and Katie Fister each pitched in the matchup for the Bulldogs. Cole and Lowe each led Union in hits with two.

Game Two:

The second matchup was scoreless through five innings. In the top of the sixth inning with one out, Merritt singled. The next at bat concluded with a strikeout, but Merritt was able to steal second base.

On the ensuing at bat, Taylor Whisonant registered an RBI single that scored Merritt. Union led 1-0 after the top of the sixth inning. The score remained the same entering the bottom of the seventh inning.

Columbia International had runners at first and third with one out when back-to-back at bats each resulted in one run to give CIU a 2-1 win in seven innings.

Carly Cain pitched the entire game for the Bulldogs. Merritt registered two hits, which was tied for the most in the matchup.

The Bulldogs are now 10-19 (8-12 AAC) this season, while CIU is 16-24 (5-17 AAC). Up next for Union is a road conference doubleheader against Columbia on Sunday, April 14, beginning at noon.