LOCK HAVEN, Pa. – The Clarion softball team lost both halves of a road doubleheader on Saturday, falling by 8-0 scores in both games against Lock Haven at Lawrence Field. The Golden Eagles fell to 3-20 overall and 1-7 in the PSAC Central.
The Clarion offense struggled to get things going offensively against the Bald Eagles in either game, while Lock Haven was able to shut down the scoring opportunities the Golden Eagles generated.
Casey Wilcox,
Rachel Hoffman and
Audrey Hummell all recorded hits in Game 1 and
Kira Smith spoiled Rachel Mouillesseaux's no-hit bid in Game 2 with a base knock in the third inning.
Sarah Gossard took the loss in the early game, allowing eight runs – six earned – in 4.2 innings pitched, while Hoffman allowed eight runs in the second game to take the loss.
Clarion trailed 6-0 entering the top of the fifth inning of the early game when their best scoring opportunity of the day presented itself.
Casey Wilcox hit a leadoff double but was later called out for interference; two batters later, Hoffman singled to center field on a 2-0 pitch. The threat was ended when
Sarah Gossard hit a ball directly to the second baseman with two outs, and the Bald Eagles tagged out Hoffman to end the inning.
The game was called in the fifth inning after the Bald Eagles tacked on two runs to take an 8-0 lead. Paige Stuppy hit a two-run single to left field with two outs to plate Becca Caputo and Bekah Slattery and end the game.
Lock Haven took a 3-0 lead in the bottom of the first inning in the second game and added four more in the second to take a 7-0 lead. Clarion very nearly cut into the lead in the top of the third by taking advantage of Bald Eagle miscues. Smith singled to right field eventually made her way to third base as the right fielder misplayed the ball and was charged with an error. The Golden Eagles could not bring her home with one out, however, as
Cassidy Runyan struck out and
Tierra Shope grounded out to end the inning.
Taylor Nonnenberg was the last Golden Eagle to get into scoring position, reaching first on a passed ball after a swinging strike and taking second on a wild pitch.
Paige Baker ripped a liner directly at the second baseman, who was able to tag second before Nonnenberg returned to the base to double her up and end the play.
Lock Haven took an 8-0 lead into the fifth inning and quashed a Clarion rally after Wilcox's leadoff walk. They set the next three Golden Eagles down in order to take the win.
