MARSHALL, Texas - The Belhaven Softball team defeated No. 2 East Texas Baptist, 4-3, in Game One of the NCAA Division III World Series Finals on Tuesday at Jason Bell Park. The Blazers take a 1-0 series lead heading into Wednesday's final day of action.
The Blazers lit up the scoreboard first in the second inning as
Ellie Jones scored on a wild pitch to give Belhaven a 1-0 lead.
Mary Moore Widemire doubled the Blazers' lead with a two-out RBI base hit down the left-field line in the fourth.
ETBU answered back in the top of the fifth with a three-run homer to take the lead, but Belhaven responded in their half to regain the advantage.
Ellie Jones came through with a two-run single back up the middle to plate
Madi Miller and
Allie Gordon and pushed the Blazers ahead 4-3.
With a one-run lead,
Kennedy Carruth slammed the door over the final two Tiger frames, retiring six straight across the sixth and seventh innings to secure the all-important series-opening win for the Blazers.
In addition to another stellar outing in the circle from Carruth, the Belhaven defense showcased its elite ability that was highlighted by a pair of impressive running catches from Widemire and Miller in the outfield to save extra bases for the Tigers.
Top Performances
Kennedy Carruth (W, 31-5): 7.0 IP, 4 H, 3 R, 3 K
Allie Gordon: 2-3, R, SB
Ellie Jones: 2-3, 2 RBI, R
Mary Moore Widemire: 1-3, RBI
The Blazers are in the driver's seat and sit just one win away from a national title with the 1-0 series lead over ETBU. Game Two of the Championship Series is set for Wednesday at 11:00 AM with an if necessary Game Three slated for 1:30 PM.
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