Softball Splits With Emmanuel

The Brenau softball team split with non-conference Emmanuel (Ga.) College, winning game one, 4-0, but dropping game two, 5-4, in Franklin Springs, Ga.

In game one, the Golden Tigers earned three straight walks of Lions' starter Erin Harden in the top of the second to load the bases. Freshman Lexi Cash then drove a bases-clearing double to right center field to make the score 3-0.

The Golden Tigers struck again in the top of the fourth as Landon Farrow walked, then advanced to second on a sacrifice bunt by Victoria Fontana. Elizabeth Schneider singled up the middle to score Farrow to increase the lead to 4-0.

Jessica Rathje pitched a complete game shutout, allowing only three hits while striking out seven to capture her seventh win of the season.

In game two, Brenau opened with two early runs, but Emmanuel matched them in the bottom of the inning for a 2-2 tie after one inning played. The Golden Tigers answered again in the top of the fifth with two more runs for a 4-2 lead, but the Lions scored another run in the bottom half of the inning to make the score 4-3.

After surrendering one run in the bottom of the seventh to send the game to extra innings, Brenau took a 5-4 lead in the top of the eighth. However, Emmanuel hit back to back doubles in the bottom of the eighth for a walk-off victory.

Kelsey Payne and Allison Gunn each notched two hits, while Mason Garland added two RBIs. Courtney Kenney, Savannah Moore, and Gunn each added an RBI.

Brenau (13-12 overall, 0-2 SSAC) next hosts Martin Methodist (Tenn) for a 1 pm SSAC doubleheader on Friday.