CANTON, Ohio – In non-conference action on Wednesday, the Malone University softball team defeated Salem University 9-5 and 1-0 in a doubleheader. The Pioneers are now 20-12 overall while the Tigers fall to 21-20.
GAME ONE RECAP:
Malone jumped on Salem early in game one with a three-run first inning, one more in the second and two in the third.
Sidney Conti drove in
Marlee Pireu with a sacrifice fly to start the scoring.
Faith Yoho and
Aricka Young continued to add on with an RBI single and triple.
Ella Collinsworth led off the second inning with a single, stole second and later scored via a wild pitch to increase the lead to 4-0 and
Madi Pukansky scored two on a double in the third.
Starting pitcher
Mia Rose went through the lineup the first time with no issues, but in the fourth inning ran into some trouble. The Tigers cut down the Pioneer lead to one at 6-5 with five hits and a hit by pitch. Malone maintained their composure and stayed in front. Aside from one crooked inning, Rose held Salem scoreless for the remainder of the contest.
Pireu and Conti drove in a combined three runs to give the Pioneers some breathing room at 9-5 and Rose retired the side in order in the seventh to seal the victory. Rose (8-8) struck out five and had two hits as a batter. Young was a homerun away from the cycle in a 3-for-3 effort. Conti drove in a team-high three runs.
GAME TWO RECAP:
The first inning was critical as it was the only scoring opportunity for either side throughout the game. Malone loaded the bases with a walk, fielder's choice and single by Rose, but the Tigers made things interesting with back-to-back outs. A two-out walk by Young delivered the lone run of the game for either side.
Allie Weilnau (12-4) was tremendous in the circle and faced two over the minimum after she allowed a pair of singles. She did not allow a walk and struck out 11 opposing hitters, the best mark for the senior this season. She fanned the final three batters she faced in the seventh inning.
UP NEXT:
Malone takes on the University of Findlay at home on Saturday, April 19 for their next Great Midwest Athletic Conference (G-MAC) doubleheader. First pitch is set for 1:00 P.M.
