Bluestone News

Bluefield State University softball split the day with Salem University, falling game one 8-2 and bouncing back to take game two 7-5.

The Tigers took the six-run lead over the Big Blue in game one after scoring three in the second and third innings. A single from Lexi Shadowens brought one across the plate in the fifth and a double from Taylor Henson in the sixth brought in another for the Big Blue, but the Tigers added two in the top of the seventh to take the 8-2 victory.

The Tigers scored two to begin game two, but the Big Blue cut the lead to one in the fourth. Paige Whittington led off the fourth with a walk followed by Calla Cooksey advancing the runner to third after a sacrifice bunt. Emma Crawford singled through the left side to bring in the first run for the Big Blue. The Tigers extended their lead adding one in the fifth and another in the sixth. Crawford cut the lead to two after a homerun over left center in the sixth. Shadowens doubled to center followed by a double down the left field line from Hannah fisher pulled the Big Blue within one going into the seventh.

The Tigers added one in the top of the seventh to take the Big Blue into their final opportunity to rally back. Back-to-back singles from Valeria Rivera and Whittington followed by Cooksey reaching on an error loaded the bases for Crawford. Crawford, who went 3-4 in game two showed up big for the Big Blue with a walk-off grand slam over the left field fence to secure the 7-5 victory.

Maggie Mullin started in the circle for the Big Blue, going six innings giving up five runs, three walks and striking out four. Kylie Salazar earned the win for the Big Blue, coming in during the top of the seventh with a runner in scoring position to get the Big Blue out of the jam.

Original source can be found here