HARROGATE, Tenn. – The West Virginia State University softball team traveled to the campus of Lincoln Memorial University for an invitational tournament over the weekend. The Yellow Jackets beat both Maryville, 3-2, and No. 13 Lincoln Memorial, 10-7, on Saturday. On Sunday, West Virginia State suffered defeats to both Maryville, 8-3, and Lincoln Memorial, 8-0.
The UNC-Pembroke Invitational last weekend turned out the same way with West Virginia State splitting series with both Kutztown and UNCP. The Yellow Jackets are an even 4-4 overall after this weekend's results. They resume their non-conference schedule next weekend in Myrtle Beach, S.C. with the Freeze Out Tournament (Feb. 14-16).
Game 1: West Virginia State 3, Maryville 2, F/7
Scoring Summary
The Yellow Jackets scored twice in their first time at bat to claim an early two-run lead. With two outs in the bottom of the first inning, the Saints made a costly fielding error that put runners on the corners. Paige Scruggs capitalized on the error by singling down the left field line and scoring Shian Meeks from third base, 1-0. Madison Rafuson then stepped up to the plate and ripped a RBI-single into left field, 2-0.
Maryville picked up one run in the top of the third and another run in the top of the sixth to tie the game, 2-2.
In the bottom of the seventh, Emma Ruth doubled up the middle to get on base as the go-ahead run. She then advanced to third base on a wild pitch while Paige Scruggs drew a walk. Madison Rafuson was next up to bat. She drilled a walk-off double into right field to seal the deal.
In the Circle
Emilee Walker got the start and allowed just three hits while striking out six batters in four innings of work. Emily Moore came in to relieve Walker in the top of the fifth and earned the win.
At the Plate
Madison Rafuson: 2-4, 2B, 2 RBI
Emma Ruth: 1-4, 2B, 2 R
Paige Scruggs: 1-3, 1 RBI, 1 BB
On the Basepaths
Shian Meeks: 1 BB, 1 SB, 1 R
In the Field
C Madison Rafuson: 8 PO
2B Paige Swisher: 5 PO, 1 A
Game 2: West Virginia State 10, Lincoln Memorial 7, F/7
Scoring Summary
West Virginia State went up by five runs in the top of the first inning. The first three batters for WVSU reached base to put immediate pressure on Lincoln Memorial's starting pitcher. Three of the runs were walked in. Paige Scruggs singled through the right side of the infield to score one of the five runs. The fifth run was scored on a fielder's choice.
The Railsplitters picked up one run in the bottom of the first and four runs in the bottom of the third to tie the game, 5-5.
The Yellow Jackets went up by two runs, 7-2, in the top of the fifth when Emily Moore belted a two-run homerun over the left field fence. They then picked up two more runs in the top of the sixth when Emma Ruth ripped a two-RBI triple into right center. Paige Scruggs made the lead five runs, 10-5, when Paige Scruggs hit a ground ball to second base to allow Ruth to score from third base.
Lincoln Memorial scored twice in the bottom of the sixth inning, 10-7, and was shutout in the bottom of the seventh.
In the Circle
Emily Thompson earned the win for 3.1 innings of work in which she allowed only three hits and two runs. Emily Moore got the save for a hitless 1.1 innings pitched at the end of the game. She struck out 2-of-5 batters faced.
At the Plate
Paige Scruggs: 3-4, 2 RBI, 2 R, 1 SH
Emma Ruth: 1-4, 3B, 3 RBI, 2 R, 1 BB
Emily Moore: 1-4, HR, 2 RBI, 1 R
On the Basepaths
SB: Paige Scruggs (1)
Two Runs Scored: Scruggs, Swisher, Meeks, Ruth
In the Field
C Madison Rafuson: 8 PO
SS Sarah Barrett: 3 A, 1 PO
Game 3: Maryville 8, West Virginia State 3, F/7
Scoring Summary
West Virginia State picked up two runs in the top of the first. Paige Scruggs was responsible with a 2-RBI single to left center.
Maryville responded with four runs in the bottom of the first and three runs in the bottom of the second to take a five-run lead, 7-2.
The Yellow Jackets scored once more in the top of the fourth thanks to Madison Rafuson. She bunted for a single, stole second, advanced to third on a throwing error, and came home on a wild pitch.
The Saints added one more run in the bottom of the sixth to give the game its final score, 8-3.
In the Circle
Emilee Walker came into the game in a relief role and gave up just four hits in 4.2 innings pitched. She struck out five batters while allowing one run to score while she was in the circle.
At the Plate
Madison Rafuson: 2-2, 1 R, 1 BB
On the Basepaths
SB: Shian Meeks (1)
One Run Scored: Rafuson, Swisher, Barrett
In the Field
3B Shian Meeks: 1 PO, 3 A
SS Sarah Barrett: 3 PO, 1 A
Game 4: Lincoln Memorial 8, West Virginia State 0, F/6
Scoring Summary
Lincoln Memorial picked up one run in the first inning, three runs in the second inning, three runs in the fourth inning, and one run in the sixth inning.
The Yellow Jackets left six runners on base as they were held scoreless.
In the Circle
Lincoln Memorial's Bailey Griffith gave up just four hits as she tossed a complete game for the win.
At the Plate
Sarah Barrett: 2-3
Paige Scruggs: 1-3, 2B, SH
On the Basepaths
BB: Meeks, Murphy
In the Field
2B Paige Swisher: 3 PO, 2 A
