BOONE, N.C. - Appalachian State (27-11) split the midweek doubleheader with UNC Greensboro (25-13) on Wednesday. The Mountaineers dropped game one 2-5, but bounced back in game two and beat the Spartans 2-1.
The most notable stat line of the night is that of
Kenzie Longanecker recording her 300th strikeout of her career. She ranks fourth all-time in App State history for strikeouts and tied for second for wins in a single season with 14.
Sidney Russell hit her first home run of the season in game two of the doubleheader.
Alison Durrence and
Mary Pierce Barnes also contributed home runs to the night in game one.
Game 1
Longanecker suffered the loss in the circle bringing her record to 14-3 with a 2.08 ERA, good for third in the Sun Belt. Despite the loss, she managed five strikeouts bringing her career total to 300 and single-season to 86 strikeouts.
The Mountaineers jumped on the board first in game one with a solo shot to left center field from Durrence in the second inning. However, the Spartans responded with a two-run home run of their own to start off the fourth inning and take the lead.
After great defense and pitching from both teams, the Spartans would add to their lead in the seventh inning with five hits and two more runs.
The bottom half of the inning was the last chance the Mountaineers had in game one. Leading off the inning, Barnes took the first pitch beyond the left field wall to give life to the black and gold dugout.
Ally Walters managed a single to follow but the Apps were unable to keep the momentum going.
Game 2
Sydney Holland picked up the win in the circle for game two, bringing her record to 10-5. Holland managed to lower her ERA in the process now holding a 2.00 ERA, good for second in the Sun Belt.
Both sides held the other scoreless until the fourth inning when a walk by Keri White and single by Caylie Kifer put runners on. A sac fly by Durrence would bring home White for the first run of the game.
Again, the Spartans responded with two hits and a run in the top of the fifth inning. Leading off the bottom half of the inning, Russell hit a solo shot to left field for what would be the game-winning run.
Solid defense prevented the Spartans from getting anything else going and maintained the win.
"I liked how we came out with a different mentality in the second game today," head coach Shelly Hoerner said. "The first game was just not us, but I'm proud of how we refocused and came out a different team. Sydney threw a great game and we made some great plays behind her. UNCG is s very good team and playing them before Louisiana is good preparation."
The Mountaineers are back in action this weekend as they take on the top team in the Sun Belt and No. 10 team in the nation in Louisiana. First pitch is set for 6 p.m. on Friday, 2 p.m. on Saturday and 12 p.m. on Sunday.
App State Softball thanks AutoStar Nissan of Boone for presenting the 2019 Softball Season.
