THE RUNDOWN

JACKSON, Miss.– The Belhaven University softball team split their doubleheader at home against the McMurry University Warhawks on Friday afternoon in American Southwest Conference play. The Blazers took the 8-4 victory in game one, but fell 8-0 in game two to earn the doubleheader split.

In game one of the doubleheader, the first two innings of play looked to be a pitcher's duel. 

In the top of the third inning, the Warhawks threaten to score on the base path, but the Blazers held strong. 

McMurry struck first in the top of the fourth inning off of a sacrifice fly to center field to make the score 1-0.

Belhaven then knotted the score at 1-1 in the bottom of the fifth inning off of a fielding error to score Brittany Chetta. 

The Warhawks added two additional runs in the top of the sixth inning, but the Blazers bats erupted in the bottom of the inning scoring seven runs on nine hits to bring the score to 8-3 headed into the final inning of game one.

McMurry scored one run in the top of the seventh, but BU held on to secure the 8-4 victory over the Warhawks in game one.

The Warhawks opened the scoring in game two, after a RBI single by Quiroga and an RBI ground out in the top of the third inning to take the 2-0 advantage.

The score remained the same until the top of the sixth inning. McMurry bats came alive scoring six runs on five hits to take the 8-0 lead. 

The Blazers tried to rally late, but McMurry's defense held on to seal the 8-0 victory over the Green and Gold.

BU Head Coach Kevin Griffin Comments on the Doubleheader Split

"We are very fortunate to get a split today while only scoring in two of the 13 innings that we played.  Our girls finally got to their pitcher in game 1 when we erupted for 7 runs in one inning, but McMurry opened the door for that big inning with a few key errors.  As a team, we failed to use that momentum moving into game two as we struggled to make adjustments at the plate.  I'm confident that our girls will come ready to play on Saturday.  I want this group to experience consistent success so badly because they put their heart and soul into every practice session and game.  They battle for each other and it just needs to translate into plate appearances tomorrow."

INSIDE THE NUMBERS

Marlee Blackwell led the Blazers in game one going 3-for-4 from the plate and tallied 3 RBI. Additionally, Blackwell had a three-run homer as one of her hits in the game.

Allie Gordon finished game one with three hits, one run scored, and one RBI. 

Marissa Rice had a hit and an RBi in game one of the doubleheader, while Brister Curry and Meghan Luker earned the other two RBI of the game.

Danielle Darmohray went 2-for-4 from the plate and scored a run, while Brittany Chetta went 1-for-3 from the plate.

As a team, the Blazers finished the game with 12 hits in the 8-4win over the Warhawks.

Jordan Self earned the win in the circle for the Green and Gold and Abby Prescott got the save in the contest.

In game two, the Blazers could not plate a run during the game. 

Marlee Blackwell, Bailey Root, and Carley Ingle were the only Blazers to tally a hit in the contest.

In the circle, Kassie Shipley was tabbed with the loss, but she only gave up five hits and had a strikeout in game two.

UP NEXT

The Blazers will return to Jim McLeod Field tomorrow, April 6^thfor the rubber game of the series. First pitch is set for 11:00 a.m.

For the latest news on Belhaven Blazers athletics, follow @BelhavenBlazers on Twitter and Instagram, and like us on Facebook.