MOUNT OLIVE (March 26) – Following a pair of one-run victories on Wednesday afternoon, the Trojans continued their winning streak with a doubleheader sweep over Barton in Conference Carolinas play following a 2-1 walk-off win in Game 1 before posting a 3-2 victory in Game 2.
With the sweep, the University of Mount Olive softball program stretches its winning streak to seven in a row to improve to 17-13 this season behind a 7-3 record in league play. The Trojans swept the season series over the Bulldogs while boasting a 23-9 record in the all-time series dating back to 2012. Meanwhile, Barton drops to 16-16 overall with a 4-8 mark in conference action.
In Game 1, the contest was locked in a pitching battle for five innings and remained scoreless behind four combined hits. Barton established a 1-0 edge in the top of the sixth after a sacrifice fly to center field. UMO answered in the bottom half of the sixth with a leadoff solo homer to left field by junior
Samantha Taylor, her second of the year, to tie the contest at 1-1.
After retiring the side in order in the top of the seventh, the Trojans entered the bottom half of the frame searching for the game-winning run. With one out, senior
Alyssa Smothers launched a walk-off solo homer to left field, her third of the season, to clinch a 2-1 victory over Barton.
Sophomore
McKenzie Millard finished 2-for-3 at the plate while Taylor reached base three times after going 1-for-1 with a homer and two walks.
Freshman
Linda Hodge improved to 9-5 in the circle after her eighth complete-game performance of the season. She yielded one earned run on three hits with five strikeouts and one walk in 7.0 innings (76 pitches). Hodge carried a no-hitter into the fifth inning while retiring the side in order three times.
In Game 2, the Bulldogs scored the opening run of the contest on a wild pitch in the top of the first inning. UMO responded in the bottom half of the frame with a pair of RBI doubles from Taylor and freshman
Liz Thome to take a 2-1 advantage. Mount Olive added another run in the bottom of the second as Smothers registered an RBI on a sacrifice bunt with runners on the corners, 3-1.
Barton cut the deficit to 3-2 in the top of the sixth with an RBI on a fielder's choice before stranding two runners on base. In the top of the seventh, the Bulldogs attempted to rally with two runners reaching base on walks. With two outs, freshman
Leah Russell secured the game-winning catch on the run in left-center to seal the 3-2 win.
Freshman
Hailey King earned the complete-game victory (6-4) after surrendering two earned runs on seven hits with two strikeouts and three walks over 7.0 innings pitched (124 pitches). She retired 11 straight batters during the early portion of the contest while forcing 11 flyouts and seven ground outs.
The Trojans are set to travel to Belmont Abbey on Friday, March 28, for a doubleheader in league play at 1 p.m.
