CENTRAL, S.C. – Anderson University softball (7-1) used its run support and solid pitching to win a pair of games at nonconference opponent Southern Wesleyan (0-2), earning a game one victory, 6-4, and taking game two, 5-1, on Tuesday afternoon at Varsity Field.
"It was great to pick up two more wins, but it is a must that we raise our level of play," said head coach Tommy Hewitt.
Despite making four errors on the day, Trojan pitching remained solid only allowing two earned runs, while striking out a combined total of 19 batters. Anderson's offense produced enough runs to overcome the miscues leading the Black and Gold to its seventh straight victory.
Anderson outhit the Warriors, 10-8, but two errors almost proved costly as the Trojans took game one, 6-4.
AU opened its first at-bat with two runs when senior Morgan Charter's ground ball out scored junior Olivia Rose Wheeler. Sophomore Hannah Whitaker followed with an RBI single scoring Boatner who had drawn a walk.
Anderson was able to work out of a jam in the bottom half of the first inning, giving up just one run while stranding three Warrior runners on base.
The Trojans crossed the plate four times in the top of the third inning, using five hits. Senior Kayson Boatner led the inning off with a home run to give the Black and Gold a, 3-1, lead. Singles by Whitaker, sophomore Hope Gullatt and senior Gracie Williams and a double by senior Jessica Neadow produced the four big runs for AU.
Southern Wesleyan scored two runs in the bottom of the sixth inning to close the gap to, 6-4. The Warriors took advantage of an infield error to score the two runs. However, AU shut down any momentum gained to win game one, 6-4.
Senior Harlie Duncan (3-1) picked up her third win of the season, pitching seven innings. Duncan scattered eight hits while striking out six batters.
In game two, Anderson's five runs scored was plenty for sophomore pitcher Laken Maxwell. Maxell (4-0) pitched a three-hit, 13 strikeout game while walking no batters. The Bowdon, Ga. native's only blemish was giving up a solo home run in the third inning of play.
AU's Neadow (3-for-7, 2 2B, 3B), Boatner (4-for-7, 2 HR, 2 RBI) and Whitaker (5-for-8, 2B, RBI) remained red-hot at the plate in game two with six other Trojans picking up a hit. Anderson outhit the Warriors, 12-3.
Anderson returns to action on Saturday when nonconference opponent Frostburg St. First-pitch of the doubleheader is slated for 12pm.
