Mercer Splits Tuesday Twinbill At Presbyterian

Tuesday, March 26

Clinton, S.C.

3 p.m.

Mercer University

12-17

Presbyterian

11-20

Mercer

Presbyterian

Mercer Splits Tuesday Twinbill At Presbyterian

3/26/2024 7:44:00 PM | Softball

Box Score 1 Box Score 2

By: Todd Anderson, anderson_t02@mercer.edu

MACON – Sophomore Avery Barton's 2-run double with one gone in the top of the first inning was more than enough offense to support a 5-hit shutout from redshirt sophomore Hannah Pitts as the Mercer softball team posted a split of a Tuesday doubleheader at Presbyterian with a 7-0 victory in the nightcap. The Blue Hose rallied back from a 1-0 deficit in the opener, including a go-ahead score in the bottom of the sixth, to tally a 2-1 triumph.

Tuesday's twilight result marked the fourth win in the last five outings for the Bears (13-17) who snapped a nine-game road skid with the victory as well. Presbyterian (11-21) quelled a two-game series losing streak with the Game 1 victory, but has now dropped three of the last five matchups with the Orange & Black. Tuesday's twinbill marked the first meetings between the two squads in Clinton, S.C., since the 2011 campaign.

Sophomore Grace Taylor (5-7) struck out five and scattered four hits across her sixth complete game effort of the season, but took the tough-luck loss. Pitts (2-4) tallied her second complete game outing of the season, striking out six and allowing just two runners to advance past first base.

Sophomore Avery Barton recorded a combined 3-for-6 day at the plate, while also drawing two walks and driving in four runs.

SUMMARY
GAME 1 FINAL	Presbyterian 2, Mercer 1
PITCHERS	WP: Jenna Greene (6-6) LP: Grace Taylor (5-7)

GAME 2 FINAL	Mercer 7, Presbyterian 0
PITCHERS	WP: Hannah Pitts (2-4) LP: Jenna Greene (6-7)

RECORDS	Mercer (13-17); Presbyterian (11-21)

KEY INNINGS (GAME 1)
BOT 6	Kaitlyn Tucker opened the frame with a single and moved to second on a sacrifice bunt to set the table for Kendall Owens who put the Blue Hose up for good on a RBI single to left field.

KEY INNINGS (GAME 2)
TOP 1	Alyssa Woods drew a leadoff walk, and Tori Hedgecock climbed aboard via a free pass herself two at-bats later to set the table for a bases-clearing double from Avery Barton that gave the Bears the lead for good.

MU LEADERS (GAME 1)	PC LEADERS (GAME 1)
Lillian Wilkerson 2-2, 2B, SAC Alyssa Woods 2-4 Avery Barton 1-3, BB Grace Taylor 6.0 IP, 4 H, 5 K	Kendall Owens 2-3, 2B, 2 RBI Kaitlyn Tucker 2-3, 2 R Jenna Greene 3.0 IP, 2 H, 4 K

MU LEADERS (GAME 2)	PC LEADERS (GAME 2)
Avery Barton 2-3, BB, 2B, 4 RBI Janessa Plummer 2-4, RBI, R Alyssa Woods 0-3, BB, 2 R Hannah Pitts 7.0 IP, 5 H, 6 K	Kasey Wolfe 2-3, 2B Jillian Hewes 1-3 Lanie Ruscoe 1-1

UP NEXT
The Bears will continue a six-game road trip this weekend when they head to Cullowhee, N.C., to battle SoCon rival Western Carolina (7-17, 0-3 SoCon) in a three-game series at the Catamount Softball Complex

STAY CONNECTED
Follow Mercer Softball on Twitter and Instagram and "Like" Mercer Football on Facebook.

SUPPORT THE BEARS
Fans can help support the Mercer athletics department by making a gift to the Mercer Athletic Foundation. To find out more information about the Mercer Athletic Foundation, visit *S upportMAF.com* or email *maf@mercer.edu*.