79th Article at the independent

PREP SOFTBALL: Marshall sweeps Fairmont in doubleheader

CHRIS DRUMMOND cdrummond@marshallindependent.com

MARSHALL — The Marshall softball team has been on fire to start the month of May, winning five straight games. Marshall looked to continue that trend against Fairmont in a doubleheader on Friday and did just that, as the offense combined for 25 runs to earn wins of 13-2 and 12-2 in five innings each.

In game one, the Cardinals would strike first to take an early lead but the Tigers would take the lead in the bottom of the first with a two-run single by second baseman Ashleigh Steinbach. Fairmount would tie up the game just two innings later, however after that it was all Marshall. The Tigers would use a six-run third inning and five-run fourth inning to put the game out of reach and cruise to a victory 13-2.

Outfielder Regan Loft had two hits and four RBIs for Marshall while teammate Steinbach also had two hits and three RBIs. Marshall starting pitcher Morgan Bjella threw a complete game surrendering two runs and striking out seven.

In game two, the Cardinals would strike again first to take an early lead, however the Tigers put together a six-run second inning started by a two-run single by first baseman Taylor Ariasola. The Tigers would tack on six more runs in the next three innings to close out the Cardinals 12-2.

Ariasola would have two hits and four RBIs for Marshall while catcher Leah Schaefer would have three hits and three RBIs. Teammate Brenna Springborg would also have three hits in the game two victory.

Marshall starting pitcher Olivia Houseman pitched a complete game surrendering two runs and striking out three. Marshall head coach Jack Houseman spoke on his team’s performance in the games.

“We had great defensive plays, bats came alive when we needed them and we played solid defense,” coach Houseman said. Coach Houseman also added the need to keep players focused and healthy for the home stretch.

“We need to keep our pitchers healthy and players focused,” coach Houseman said. “We have two games today and seven games next week, so keeping our players healthy and focused is key.”

Game one

Fairmont 101 00 – 2 6 2

Marshall 206 5x – 13 12 2

Hitting: Marshall (Bednarek 1-3, RBI; Wherry 1-2; Schaefer 2-2, RBI; Steinbach 2-3, 3 RBI; Wendorff 1-2, RBI; Bjella 2-3, RBI; Loft 2-3, 4 RBI; Springborg 1-2).

Pitching (IP-R-ER-H-BB-SO): Marshall (Bjella 5-2-1-6-2-7).

Game two

Marshall 061 41 – 12 13 0

Fairmont 100 01 – 2 5 4

Hitting: Marshall (Ariasola 2-4, 4 RBI; Bednarek 1-3, RBI; Wherry 2-3; Schaefer 3-4, 3 RBI; Steinbach 1-3; Wendorff 1-4, RBI; Springborg 3-4, RBI).

Pitching (IP-R-ER-H-BB-SO): Marshall (Houseman 5-2-2-5-4-3).