DUNCAN, S.C. – The Converse College softball team dropped a pair of non-conference games to visiting Augusta University on Sunday afternoon at Tyger River Park. After dropping a close 5-3 decision in game one, Converse fell in extras, 5-4.

GAME INFORMATION

Scores: Augusta (5, 5), Converse (3, 4)

Records: Augusta (6-11), Converse (3-14)

Location: Tyger River Park, Duncan, S.C.

HOW IT HAPPENED

GAME ONE: Augusta 5, Converse 3

The Jaguars were able to break through on the scoreboard early in the contest, posting three runs in the top of the first inning. Converse looked poised to push across a run of its own in the bottom half of the inning but a groundout stranded a runner at second. 

After holding Augusta scoreless in the top of the second, Converse came back with a two-spot in the bottom half, cutting the deficit to 3-2. Following a groundout to start the frame, Grace McKinney laced a single down the left field line before advancing to third on a double to the gap by Abbigale Outlaw. Sarah-Anne Arthur produced a RBI groundout while heads-up base running allowed Outlaw to score on the play. 

The two teams struggled to find offense during innings 2-4, but the Valkyries put together a good frame in the bottom of the fifth, scoring a single run to tie the game at 3-3. Brooklyn McElrath led the frame off reaching on a throwing error by the Jaguars shortstop before moving to second after a pitch hit Allison Plafcan. That set up Ryan Finazzo's RBI single to center field. 

However, the tie did not last long as Augusta came back with two runs in the top of the sixth, extending out to a 5-3 lead late in the contest. The Valkyries were able to place runners on first over the final two innings, but fell short of scoring, eventually dropping game one by that same score.  

GAME TWO: Augusta 5, Converse 4 (9 innings)

Converse loaded the bases with no outs in the bottom of the first in hopes of taking an early lead. After a fielder's choice out cut down a runner at the plate, Moriah Gomez came up clutch with a single to left, allowing Plafcan to cross the dish for the game's first run. 

Grace McKinney showed good vision at the plate, drawing a walk that scored Finazzo before Outlaw added a RBI groundout to account for Converse's three first inning runs. 

Augusta trimmed the deficit to 3-2 in the top of the second with a pair of runs, but Courtney Walls' outfield assist nailed the tying run at the plate, leaving Converse ahead 3-2. The Jaguars held Converse scoreless in the bottom portion of the second before tying the game with a single run in the visitor half of the third. 

With a tie game heading into the bottom of the sixth, Converse looked to tack on the go-ahead run. Katelin Bradshaw led things off with a single to short before advancing to second on smart base running. However, the next three batters were retired in order, sending the game to the seventh knotted at 3-all. 

Augusta loaded the bases with two outs in the top of the seventh but relief pitcher Savannah Rodgers got Megan McCook swinging at strike three, giving the Vals a chance to win the game in bottom of the seventh frame. Unfortunately, Converse went down in order sending the game to extra innings. 

In accordance with the international tie-breaking rule, each team started the extra frame with the last batted out on second base. Augusta's Maddy Libby recorded a RBI hit in the top of the eighth before Finazzo knotted the game at 4-4 with a clutch hit in the bottom of the frame. 

However, Augusta took advantage of the rule in the top of the ninth, scoring the placed batter, while Converse was not able to push across the game-tying run, falling in extras, 5-4. 

UP NEXT

Converse will begin a three series road swing on Tuesday, March 10, traveling to Greenwood, S.C. to face the Bearcats of Lander University. Game times for the doubleheader are scheduled for 5 and 7 p.m.