NASHVILLE, TENN. – Appalachian State (9-6) battled in two close competitions but ultimately fell to Miami 5-4 in extra innings and dropped one to Eastern Illinois 2-1.
App State vs. Miami (OH) (L, 4-5, 9 inn.)
The Apps' defense remained strong throughout the game.
Haley Stewart made multiple diving plays to help the Mountaineers against the Redhawks, but Miami's bats powered through for the win.
The Mountaineers first scored in the top of the fourth inning.
Jenny Dodd went 2-4 against the Redhawks, including an RBI double. The Apps collected six runs on six hits in their rematch against the Redhawks.
Miami tied it up in the bottom of the sixth inning after a leadoff walk and a standup triple. International Tiebreaker took effect in the eighth inning, placing the last out at second base for both teams.
After a scoreless eighth inning, App State took the lead in the top of the ninth. Stewart's sacrifice bunt moved
Caylie Kifer to third base. Dodd beat out the throw on a single to deep shortstop before
Sidney Russell singled to the third baseman to bring in the go-ahead run for the Mountaineers.
Ally Walters followed by beating out the throw from the third baseman to score
Maddy Bloom, making the score 4-2.
Miami scored three in the bottom of the ninth to take the win in walk-off fashion.
Sydney Holland was credited with the loss after her 3.1 innings pitched.
App State vs. Eastern Illinois (L, 1-2)
Taylor Nichols started in the circle, and
Kenzie Longanecker came in to relieve. Longanecker came in during the fourth inning and escaped a bases-loaded situation by striking out the batter for the third out.
Mary Pierce Barnes made her second start for the Mountaineers and smashed a double to the outfield.
Baylee Morton immediately followed with a double, bringing in the Mountaineers' sole run of the game.
The Panthers took the lead in the fourth inning on a two-RBI homer. The Apps fought until the end, but the Panthers held onto the win.
The Mountaineers, sponsored by AutoStar Nissan of Boone, continue play in Nashville this week for their first midweek doubleheader as they take on Tennessee State on Tuesday, Mar. 5.
