Mercer University
Massachusetts
Softball Downs Massachusetts, 8-0, Goes 3-2 In Invitational
3/13/2016 12:00:00 AM | Softball
BOCA RATON, Fla. – The Mercer University softball team closed its weekend at the FAU Invitational with a five-inning 8-0 win over Massachusetts on Sunday, March 13. Mercer went 3-2 in the invitational and capped a 5-2 overall week with a high note.
FINAL – Mercer 8, Massachusetts 0 (5 innings)
HOW IT HAPPENED
Mercer picked up its second run-rule win of the season behind a complete team effort against Massachusetts on Sunday morning. The Bears jumped ahead first and never looked back, as they scored one run in the second inning before breaking it open with a commanding five-run third inning.
Quirisa Mauga scored the Bears' first run in the second inning on a throwing error but the Minutewomen. The third inning outburst included seven hits by the Bears, highlighted by RBI-doubles from Lindsay Boynton and Mauga as well as RBI-singles from Shaila Warren, Meghan Rud. A two-RBI single by Emma Andrew in the fourth inning sealed the Bears' seventh win in their past 10 games.
PLAYER OF THE GAME
Megan Bilgri continued her recent effectiveness in the circle and picked up her third win of the season – and week – in the process with a complete-game shutout. By scattering four hits over five innings of work, Bilgri allowed only three baserunners past second base all game and used her defense to keep the Minutewomen scoreless.
The sophomore also struck out three batters and issued only one walk to improve to 3-1 overall this season.
NOTABLES
-
Miller has been automatic at the plate for Mercer recently. The junior has seven multi-hit games in her last 10 games played, including her last three. Miller went 2-for-3 against Massachusetts and also stole one base and scored one run.
-
With her two-RBI, 2-for-3 performance, Andrew snapped a seven-game drought without an RBI. The sophomore has 15 RBI for the season, trailing only Boynton (17) on the team.
-
Warren and Rud had two and one RBI, respectively, against Massachusetts. Both now have 10 RBI each for the season, making it seven Bears who have double-digit RBI.
-
Mauga finished 2-for-3 at the plate Sunday to give her back-to-back multi-hit games for the second time in her career and first time this season. The sophomore's last three hits have been doubles.
-
With four stolen bases against the Minutewomen, Mercer now has 40 swipes through 28 games played this season. Miller picked up her Southern Conference-leading 14th steal as Natalie Shiver, Rud and Andrew all snagged one as well.
-
After a shaky start to the season, Bilgri has only allowed four earned runs over her last 20.2 innings pitched, which span over eight appearances. The sophomore has also tossed 17 strikeouts in 25.2 total innings this season.
-
Mercer scored at least five runs in all five of its wins this week, including the 8-0 victory over Massachusetts on Sunday. It was also the seventh time the Bears have reached 10 hits in single game this season.
-
Mercer's one run scored in the bottom of the second inning marked the fourth time the Bears struck first at the FAU Invitational. All but once – the 5-1 loss to Long Island – the early lead propelled Mercer to a victory.
RECORD UPDATE
The 8-0 win over Massachusetts improved Mercer's record to 12-16 overall. Mercer has won seven of its last 10 games played, including going 3-2 at the FAU Invitational.
UP NEXT
The Black & Orange will return to Macon to prepare for their third home tournament of the 2016 season, the Mercer Bears Classic. The tournament will be held March 18-19 at Sikes Field and feature Seton Hall (12-10) and Oakland (4-12). Mercer's first game will be against Seton Hall at 3:30 p.m. on Friday, March 18.
STAY SOCIAL
Follow @MercerUSoftball on Twitter and Instagram or visit the team's official Facebook page for up-to-date information on the Bears' softball program.
