Molly Gray hustles down the baseline to beat the throw.
Miners softball snap a 2 game losing streak with the help of freshman Ellen Gray. The Miners stranded a base runner every inning tonight, but finally made Auburn Trojans pay in the bottom of the 8th when Ellen Gray hit a double to score Abbie Cline to end the game. With a total of 9 hits tonight, the Miners could only get 6 of them to touch home plate outscoring the Trojans 6-5.
Laura Halpin returned on the rubber tonight striking out 5, walking 4, surrendering 8 hits, and pegging 2. The defense came out stronger tonight, yielding only 3 errors.
Laura Halpin tries the slap.
Payton Anderson was the big hitter tonight going 2 for 4 with a single and a homerun late in the 7th inning to bring the Miners within one run. Ellen Gray was credited with the walk off hit which came in the bottom of the 8th inning where she smacked a double to left field. She ended the game 2 for 4 with the game winning double and a bunt for a hit. Abbie Cline also contributed a hit, which was a double in the 8th inning to put her in scoring position for Ellen Gray. Alexis Burns, Laura Halpin, Alina Fields, and Molly Gray also chipped in with one hit each.
The Miners used a little short game tonight to throw the Trojans off which turned out to be a good strategic plan by coach Michelle Smith. Ellen Gray and Laura Halpin each had a bunt for a hit tonight while Molly Gray bunted for a sacrifice to move Alina Fields over in scoring position in the 8th inning. Fields was later tagged out on an effort to reach home.
The Miners returned to .500 tonight with a record of 2-2 record. As the bats come alive and the defense stays strong, the Miners should be the team to beat in this area.
UP NEXT: The Miners match up with the Pawnee Indians March 24th at 4:30pm in Gillespie.
Payton Anderson applies the tag as the runner retreats to second.