Mercer University
Alabama State
Softball Splits Twin Bill With Alabama State
3/30/2016 12:00:00 AM | Softball
MONTGOMERY, Ala. – The Mercer University softball team split a mid-week doubleheader at Alabama State, falling 8-7 in game one before defeating the Hornets 16-5 in game two on Wednesday at Barbara Williams Softball Complex.
FINAL – Alabama State 8, Mercer 7
HOW IT HAPPENED
After falling in an early 5-1 hole, Mercer rallied, twice, but couldn't overtake Alabama State (15-18) in the front half of Wednesday's doubleheader. A RBI-single by junior Maxine Rodriguez in the fourth inning was followed by a three-run fifth for the Bears, highlighted by a RBI-double from senior Natalie Shiver. Mercer picked up two hits and three walks in the frame to tie the game, 5-5.
Alabama State reclaimed the lead, 8-5, in the following half frame. Mercer made things interesting in the top of the seventh as Rodriguez sparked another rally with a two-out single. A pinch-hit walk by junior Taylor Rodgers and a bunt single from sophomore Meghan Rud loaded the bases for junior Taylor Miller, who stroked a two-RBI single to left field, but Mercer couldn't complete the rally.
Freshman Lindsay Boynton hit a solo home run – her team-leading fifth long ball of the season – in the top of the second to get the Bears on the scoreboard. Junior Anna O'Neill took the loss in the circle, despite surrendering only two earned runs. The Bears tied a season-high with five errors defensively.
PLAYER OF THE GAME
Miller was the Bears' most dangerous threat at the plate in game one at Alabama State, reaching base five times on three hits, a walk and an error. The junior finished 3-for-5 with two RBIs. The multi-hit game was her 16th of the season and 42nd of her career, both team-highs. In addition to the three hits, Miller also stole her SoCon-leading 19th base of the season.
FINAL – Mercer 16, Alabama State 5 (6 innings)
HOW IT HAPPENED
Mercer exploded for season-highs in runs and hits to end Wednesday's doubleheader against Alabama State (15-19) on a high note. A seven-hit, seven-run third inning started the outburst as Boynton hit a two-RBI triple and Rodriguez blasted her first career home run, a two-run shot. Shiver extended the Bears lead to 10-0 in the fourth with a three-run home run.
Another explosive inning came in the sixth as Mercer plated six more runs, highlighted by a bases-clearing triple by Rud. The Bears drew seven walks as well, and eight players reached base at least twice.
Sophomore Jill McElderry earned her fourth win in the circle, tossing all six innings while surrendering four hits. She took a one-hitter into the fifth inning.
PLAYER OF THE GAME
In a game full of big individual performances, Rud stood tallest, going 3-for-5 with four RBIs and three runs scored. Her three-RBI triple was her second of the season and the performance was her 13th multi-hit game.
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MERCER STAT OF THE GAME
Mercer had its most impressive offensive output of the season in game two, reaching season-highs in runs (16) and hits (15) while four players had multi-hit and multi-RBI performances. The Bears' former season-highs in runs and hits were 15 at Florida A&M on March 9 and 14 against Austin Peay on Feb. 27.
NOTABLES
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It was nearly impossible to keep Miller off the bases on Wednesday, as she went 6-for-9 with a walk while scoring twice and batting in three runs. The junior had three hits in each game and now has four three-hit games this season in addition to 50 hits.
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Miller was near impossible to keep off the bases on Wednesday, going 6-for-9 with a walk while scoring twice and totaling three RBIs. The junior had three hits in each game and now has four three-hit games this season and 50 total hits.
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There were six multi-hit performances for the Bears over Wednesday's two games, highlighted by Miller's pair. Rud, Mauga, Shiver and Rodriguez added one each as well.
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As a team, Mercer drew 15 walks and stole three bases over the two games.
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Rodgers continued her recent success in pinch-hit opportunities, drawing a walk in game one and bunting for a hit in game two. The junior has now successfully reached base in five straight pinch-hit chances, including three hits.
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Mercer improved to 11-4 when hitting at least one home run. The Bears are now 10-7 when scoring first, following their seven-run third inning that jump-started game two.
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Game one was only the third time the Bears have outscored their opponent and failed to win the game. They are 13-3 when doing so.
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With a walk in game one and two hits in game two, Mauga has reached base in 16 consecutive games, a team-high. Her five-game hitting streak was snapped with the 0-for-4 performance in game one, but she got right back on track in game two with a 2-for-4 outing.
RECORD UPDATE
Mercer is now 17-20 overall after the mid-week doubleheader split with non-conference foe Alabama State. The Bears are also 23-3 all-time against the Hornets.
UP NEXT
Mercer continues its nine-game road stretch with another non-conference doubleheader on Saturday, April 2 at Virginia Tech (15-16, 9-3 ACC) in Blacksburg, Va. The Hokies split with Liberty in a home doubleheader at Tech Softball Park on Wednesday and are 8-2 in their last 10 games.
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.
