MILLIGAN, Tenn. – Milligan University's softball program played host to the Tennessee Wesleyan University Bulldogs on Anglin Field for an Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC) doubleheader. After struggling to provide offense in a 6-2 game-one loss, the Buffs pulled through with a 6-1 win in the latter tilt.
A two-run single by TWU made it 2-0 in the top of the first frame, as the Buffaloes allowed both runs to score, unearned.
The rest of the game's scoring came in the sixth and seventh innings, as the Bulldogs notched three more tallies in the sixth on a two-RBI single and a run-scoring double.
With a 5-0 deficit, Milligan was able to score their two runs of the contest in the bottom of the sixth on a two-run homer by Alana Parsons, which was her eighth round-tripper of the season.
The Bulldogs would tack one more on in the top of the seventh to take the 6-2 triumph.
A flip of the script occurred in the second battle, though Tennessee Wesleyan did score first on an RBI fielder's choice in the top of the second.
The Buffaloes grabbed four runs in the bottom of the fourth, having tallied six straight hits to begin the inning. Mollie Johnson began the scoring with a single to left-center to drive in Mia Grasse. Then, Parsons beat out an infield single to score Alexis Brown to make it 2-1. Jordan Roullettwheeler then bunted for a single to score Mo. Johnson, and Haley Vigil doubled home Parsons to give the Buffs a 4-1 lead after four full frames.
Milligan added to their lead with two more runs in the bottom of the fifth, as well. Brown doubled home Grasse in the inning, while Parsons knocked in Brown with a single, tallying her fourth RBI of the doubleheader. With those two runs, MU nabbed a 6-1 lead, which they would ultimately hang onto for the triumph.
A slow first contest with the bats did not dictate the result in the second bout, as a three-hit game one was followed by 12 in the latter game for Milligan. Parsons (3-for-6, HR, 4 RBI) and Brown (3-for-6, 2B, RBI) both had three hits on the day, while Mo. Johnson, Roullettwheeler and Ashley Worley each had two knocks.
Sadie Shoun pitched a total of six innings and allowed five runs (three earned) on eight hits while striking out two and walking four. She was relieved by Adrianna Piascik, who threw the final frame and allowed a run on two hits.
Bree Presnell spun a masterful one-run gem in game two, allowing only two hits. Her complete-game win included four strikeouts and four walks.
Milligan's final regular-season contests will be played this Friday, Apr. 18 at home against Reinhardt University, with game one beginning at 3 p.m.
