DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – Ali Fulcher tallied a three-run homer, and pitcher Brooke Kennedy went the distance in the circle to help visiting UT-Martin slide past Bethune-Cookman by a score of 9-1 in non-conference softball action on Wednesday, March 10, at Sunnyland Park.
UT-Martin (13-7) drove in four runs in the opening half-inning, setting the tone for the afternoon. In the top-half of the first, the Skyhawks tallied two extra-base hits – including a three-run home run from shortstop Ali Fulcher to allow the visitors a 4-0 advantage early-on.
Brooke Kennedy was hard to solve for the Wildcats, as the crafty right-handed pitcher did not allow a hit until the fourth frame.
After UT-Martin added three additional runs on the scoreboard in the third, Bethune-Cookman (5-19) cut into the lead with first baseman Iesha Waters' leadoff home run to left field.
Bethune-Cookman trailed 7-1 after four innings in the books.
The Skyhawks would add two all-important runs in the top-half of the sixth, leading to the run-rule decision with what would have been an inning to go in regulation.
UT-Martin centerfielder Carly Gonzalez plated teammates Savannah Dodson and Jodie Duncan with a standup double to center field.
That brought the score to the final 9-1 decision.
The win went to Kennedy, bumping her record for the year to 7-3. She worked six innings on the rubber, allowing just a single run – that being the solo shot from Waters, on two hits while striking out seven and walking three.
The loss was credited to Sabrina Anguiano who fell to 1-11 on the season. The Hacienda Heights, California native threw 5.1 innings, giving up eight runs (seven earned) on five hits, adding three strikeouts and three walks. Bailey Conner would work just two-thirds of an inning in relief action, before Anguiano finished the game in the circle.
The Wildcats offense was paced by Waters with the home run, her third of the season, allowing her to finish 1-for-3 at the plate. Centerfielder Mariah Davis collected the other lone hit for B-CU.
Bethune-Cookman will get back to action Tuesday, March 22, when the Wildcats welcome the Foxes of Marist to Sunnyland Park in a midweek doubleheader. First pitch in the first game is scheduled for 2 p.m.
With a game originally scheduled against New Mexico on March 16, that doubleheader has now been cancelled due to travel for the Lobos. No makeup date will be scheduled in 2016.
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