JACKSON, Tenn. – On Mar. 23, the Union University softball team lost games one and two of their series with No. 17 Auburn University Montgomery. Game one went eight innings with a score of 6-5, while game two lasted five innings and saw AUM come out on top 9-0. After these games, Union is now 18-13 overall (10-7 GSC), and AUM is 24-8 overall (13-4 GSC).
In game one, the Warhawks jumped out to a 4-0 lead after the fifth inning. In the top of the sixth, the Lady Bulldogs started their comeback as Macey Neal doubled to right center to score Morgan Jennings, and three batters later, fifth-year senior Mackenzi David hit a two-run bomb to center field, bringing the score to 4-3. AUM added a run in their half of the sixth. However, in the top of the seventh, Macey Neal crushed a ball over the right center fence for a two-run homer of her own, tying the game 5-5. Union held AUM in the bottom of the seventh but could not do the same in the eighth as the Warhawks walked it off.
The Union offense had six hits in the game. They were led by Macey Neal and David who each went 2-4. Sarah Kate Thompson and Jennings had one hit apiece.
Lainey Baker started in the circle for the Lady Bulldogs and went the distance allowing six runs (five earned) on 10 hits while striking out 11. She took the loss, bringing her record to 6-5 overall.
Game two was all AUM with the Warhawks scoring all nine of their runs in the first two innings courtesy of two grand slams and a solo shot. Union had no hits in the game, which lasted only five innings.
Riley Vaughn started for Union, throwing 1.1 innings and giving up nine runs (all earned) on five hits and three walks. Addison Abell pitched 2.2 innings in relief and was able to stop AUM from scoring anymore runs. She allowed only one hit and one walk. Vaughn and Abell struck out one batter each. Vaughn was the pitcher of record, making her 6-3 overall this season.
Up next for the Lady Bulldogs is the series finale with AUM on Mar. 24. First pitch is scheduled for 12:00 p.m.
