GULF SHORES, Ala. – The No. 18 Central Methodist softball team took the first game of the Gulf Shores Invitational on Saturday, but fell short in the finale, moving to 4-4 on the young season.
GAME ONE [5-4 win over Southeastern (Fla.)]
In the tournament opener, Central Methodist claimed victory in a back-and-forth battle. Kelli Gorman hit a two-run shot to give the Eagles an early advantage, before a couple timely hits from the Fire in the 3rd inning put them on top, 3-2.
In the 5th inning, Taylor Patton came up clutch with a two-out, three-run jack to put the Eagles back on top. The Fire scratched one run across in the 6th to narrow the gap, but Ashley Wills shut the door in the final frame to ice the triumph.
GAME TWO [4-2 loss to Houston-Victoria (Texas)]
The Eagles got on the scoreboard first, punching a run across in the top of the 1st inning. An Addy Reardon double brought home Sydnie Harmon, who singled to lead off the game. Reardon led the Eagles with three hits in the contest.
But the Jaguars responded with four runs in the middle innings to take control. Central Methodist stepped to the plate in the top of the 7th inning needing a rally.
Reardon and Patton strung together consecutive hits to give the Eagles two baserunners. A Lexi Jones single brought home one run, but pinch-runner Krista Richardson was tagged out trying to advance. Consecutive flyouts ended the game in favor of the Jaguars, 4-2.
Ashley Wills took the loss after pitching 4.1 innings of three-run ball. Kaylee Ousman came on in relief to close out the game, scattering no hits in 1.2 innings of action.
Central Methodist rapped out nine hits, but couldn't string them together to create runs.
UP NEXT:
The Eagles are right back on the diamond tomorrow afternoon, taking on (RV) Thomas (Ga.) at 4:30 pm facing off against No. 17 William Carey (Miss.) at 7 pm.
