With game time wind chill temperature at 29 degrees, Cougar Softball used hot bats, timely defense and gritty pitching to win a double header at Georgia Highlands 9-1 and 10-9 on Saturday February 17. On a four-game winning streak Cleveland State has moved their overall season record to 4-2.
Game One Recap
Kylie Hayes won her second season game as the Cougars scored nine runs for the five inning 9-1 win. Hayes struck out six while giving up just four hits. Cleveland State scored in every inning but the second starting with two in the first as Torrey Cummings led off the game with a double and came in to score on an RBI single off the bat of Kristen Fowler, who then scored on a right center double by Ava Layne.
In the second it was Fowler again plating Abby Murrill who singled and stole second, then eventually came home on a wild pitch. Fowler was at it again in the third driving home Cummings and Murrill who each singled with Murrill's hit also plating Caleigh White that reached base on an error.
In the fifth Cleveland State added their final runs as Layla Pettigrew doubled home Morgan Willingham who singled to start the inning. Pettigrew eventually scored on a wild pitch.
On the five inning game the Cougars had 11 hits led by Fowler with three while Cummings, Murrill and Willingham each had two. Layne and Pettigrew had one hit each.
Game Two Recap
Game two looked to be another run rule game as the Cougars jumped out to an 8-1 lead, but in the fourth inning Highlands scored six ending that thought. Cleveland State plated two runs in the sixth for a 10-7 lead as Willingham led off with a double and came home to score on a single by Pettigrew who then scored on a fielder's choice by Carissa Montgomery.
The game ended with the bases loaded as Fowler snagged a line drive then making a quick throw to Pettigrew at first base doubling up on the Highlands runner giving the Cougars a 10-9 win. Kadence Brewer earned her second win of the season only giving up three earned runs on the game.
The Cougar bats continued to stay alive in the second game as they banged out 17 hits led by a perfect 3-for-3 by Willingham. Pettigrew joined Willingham with three including two doubles while Murrill was 4-for-5. Cummings and Layne each had two hits while Fowler, Whitney Lee and Kendyl Phillips chipped in with one each.
What's Next
Next on the schedule for Cougar Softball is a Cougar home double header contest vs Calhoun Community College on Thursday February 22 with game time starts of 1 and 3 p.m. EST. Games are played on the Cleveland State campus at the Cougar Softball Field.
Admission charge is $8 per person with no charge to Cleveland State students, faculty and staff.
