Site: Misenheimer, N.C. | Jack Ingram Field
Scores:
(23) Pfeiffer 6, Salem 0
(23) Pfeiffer 9, Salem 0 (5 innings)
Records: Salem (3-17, 1-9 USA South) / Pfeiffer (22-9, 10-1 USA South)
Next Games:
Salem at Southern Virginia | Buena Vista, Va. | Harvey-Dryden Field | April 11 | 2:00 / 4:00 p.m.
MISENHEIMER, N.C. — The Salem softball team faced its first nationally ranked opponent in program history, No. 23 Pfeiffer, and suffered a pair of setbacks by scores of 6-0 and 9-0 (5 innings), when the two teams collided at Jack Ingram Field on Thursday, April 6th in a USA South Conference battle.
Salem limited the Falcons to six runs in the opening game of the doubleheader, while receiving one hit each from the duo of Lauryn Fisher and Cree Bass. Bass' hit resulted in a double, her second extra-base hit of the season. Spirits pitcher Kat Price notched her fifth complete game performance in the circle this season, scattering 10 hits, six runs and surrendering just one walk.
The Falcons had a pair of multi-run innings, which came in the second and third, resulting in the 6-0 victory. Offensively, Kenzi Lyall (3-4, 2 RBI, run) and Emma Bullin (2-3, RBI, run, double) were the offensive leaders.
The second game was highlighted by a pair of hits from Madeline Brown and Maleah Tate, while Alli Stertzbach and Katie Gerhardt entered the circle for Salem. Brown and Tate delivered singles for the Salem offense, while both Stertzbach and Gerhardt tallied one strikeout apiece.
The Falcons registered seven hits in the five-inning game two victory, led by Kenzi Lyall, who was 3-for-3 with three RBI. Lyall delivered a double and a three-run home run to lead the way for the offense. Emma Chopko finished off the win with a double, while Taylor Parrish was 1-for-1 with two RBI as a pinch hitter.
GAME 1: Pfeiffer 6, Salem 0
W: Kenzi Lyall (11-7) / L: Kat Price (2-6)
Salem Leaders: Lauryn Fisher (1-3), Cree Bass (1-2, double)
SALEM HIGHLIGHTS
-Game endured a 3.5 hour rain/lightning delay
-Spirits closed the game with two hits, one each from Bass and Fisher.
-Marks the first-ever time in program history that Salem has face a ranked opponent, Pfeiffer was ranked No. 23 nationally.
-Bass, who connected on a double in the top of the seventh, notched her second extra-base hit of the season.
-Fisher posted her hit in the fourth, advancing Bass to second and Savanah Atkins to third.
-Price tossed her team-best fifth complete game of the season, scattering 10 hits, six runs (five earned runs) while issuing one walk.
PFEIFFER HIGHLIGHTS
-Lyall faced 22 Salem batters, allowing just one hit and making nine strikeouts along the way.
-Two Pfeiffer sluggers—Lyall (3-4, 2 RBI, run) and Emma Bullin (2-3, RBI, run, double)—led the team in hitting.
-Pfeiffer managed 10 hits and did not strikeout through the course of the game.
-Falcons scored one run each in the second and third inning before adding two runs in both the fourth and sixth inning.
GAME 2: Pfeiffer 9, Salem 0 (5 innings)
W: Kali Morton (10-2) / L: Alli Stertzbach (1-6)
Salem Leaders: Madeline Brown (1-2), Maleah Tate (1-2)
SALEM HIGHLIGHTS
-Brown led the game off with a single to shortstop, but was stranded at the close of the frame.
-Tate delivered the second hit of the contest for Salem in the fifth, hitting it back in the direction of the pitcher.
-Alli Stertzbach faced nine batters in the game, allowing seven runs on three hits, while walking four hitters.
-Katie Gerhardt entered the game in relief, tossing 3.1 innings, while allowing four hits and two walks, fanning one Pfeiffer hitter.
PFEIFFER HIGHLIGHTS
-Pfeiffer finished the game with seven hits, highlighted by Kenzi Lyall, who was 3-for-3 from the plate with three RBI, two doubles and a home run.
-Emma Chopko wrapped up a solid performance with a double, closing the game 1-for-2 with an RBI and a run scored.
-Pinch hitter Taylor Parrish was 1-for-1 at the plate with a pair of RBI.
-The Falcons established themselves early in the game, scoring eight runs in the first inning.
-Chopko connected on a double to left centerfield, giving Pfeiffer a 2-0 advantage.
-Lyall drove a three-run home run over the left field wall, which resulted in an 8-0 lead for the Falcons.