KNOXVILLE, TENN. – The UNC Greensboro (UNCG) softball team returned to Knoxville, Tennessee for the first time in 25 years, where it split its doubleheader on Saturday in non-conference play.
Junior pitcher
Alex Rodriguez came in relief for the Spartans in game one against East Carolina and earned her first-career victory behind an 8-5 come-from-behind victory. Classmate
Morgan Scott recorded her third-career save in the game.
Rodriguez tossed 5.2 innings in two games and allowed 4 hits. One run scored on her, as she walked one, and struck out one.
In game two against No. 14/15 Tennessee, UNCG saw the first lead, but the Lady Vols ended up on top 4-2.
The Spartans crushed three home runs during the day, bringing the season total to 87.
Game 1: UNCG 8 – East Carolina 5
Records:
UNCG (32-12, 12-0 SoCon)
East Carolina (19-26, 2-10 AAC)
HOW IT HAPPENED
- Samantha Lagrama clubbed a three-run homer in the bottom of the second to cut the deficit to 4-3.
- In the bottom of the third, Jordan Gontram singled to right center bringing home Makenna Matthijs for the first tying run.
- The Pirates took a 4-0 lead with a grand slam in the top of the first.
- They then took a 5-4 lead in the top of the fourth.
- UNCG tallied four hits and scored four runs in the bottom of the sixth for its first lead of the game, 8-5.
- Lagrama added to her RBI total by singling up the middle.
- Matthijs doubled down the left field line with two outs for her third hit of the game.
- Cumbie topped off the score with a two-run shot to left field.
NOTES
- The Spartans have hit at least one home run in 37 games this season, totaling 86.
- This was the 25th game this season with at least two home runs.
- Lagrama crushed her ninth home run of the season.
- Her nine is a single season best.
- This brings her career total to 23.
- Lagrama brings her season total to five games with multiple RBI.
- Cumbie hit her 11th homer of the season.
- She is 10th in UNCG career home runs with 30.
- Matthijs went 3-for-4 with two runs scored and one RBI.
- Reese struck out four batters, and Scott came in relief retiring one.
Rodriguez on her first-career win and coming into the game at a pivotal time
"I was really excited to help out the team and come out away with our first win on the day. I focused on what I do best and I kept spinning it because I knew that if I fed the defense pop-ups and ground balls, they would back me up on every play."
PITCHING RECORDS
Alex Rodriguez: W, 1-0
Morgan Scott: save, 2
Logyn Estes: L, 5-7
HISTORY VS. ECU
The Pirates lead the series 28-14.
Game 2: No. 14/15 Tennessee 4 - UNCG 2
Records:
UNCG (32-13, 12-0 SoCon)
Tennesee (32-13, 13-5 SEC)
HOW IT HAPPENED
- Jordan Gontram cranked a two-run home run to center field in the top of the first after Delaney Cumbie doubled down the right field line for a 2-0 lead.
- The Lady Vols responded in the bottom of the frame, as Z Puni hit a three-run shot over the left field wall for a 3-2 lead.
- Tennessee had a base runner in each inning except the fifth, where Rodriguez retired three-straight batters.
- UNCG strung two hits together in the top of the seventh for one last try, but Tennessee sealed the deal with a foul out and a strikeout.
NOTES
- The Spartans have hit at least one home run in 38 games this season, totaling 87.
- Gontram crushed her 15th home run of the season.
- The two-run shot was her 49th of her career.
- Brooklynn Maxwell went 2-for-3, as the only Spartan with multiple hits.
- Rodriguez threw 3.0 innings, giving up 2 hits, one run, with one strikeout, and a walk.
PITCHING RECORDS
Morgan Scott: L, 19-9
Erin Edmoundson: W, 18-5
HISTORY VS. TENNESEE
The Lady Vols extend the series 6-0.
ON DECK
The Spartans return to Sherri Parker Lee Stadium for their final game of the Lady Vol Challenge tomorrow, Sunday, April 24 with a start time of 10:30 a.m.
