Morton Homers Three Times in Extra Innings Loss Versus UTA

BOONE, N.C. - Appalachian State (30-20, 12-10 SBC) fell in extra innings to UT Arlington (27-23, 15-9 SBC) after hitting five home runs on Sunday. The Mountaineers scored seven runs on 10 hits but were outlasted in the ninth inning with a final score of 9-7.

Despite the loss, the Mountaineers had one of their best hitting performances of the year with two of their first three hits coming on home runs, knocking out five total. 

Baylee Morton led the Mountaineers at the plate, hitting her first home run of the season while also adding two more to the five home run total. With three on the day, Morton set a new record for most home runs in a game in App State program history. 

Keri White and Ally Walters also had home run each while Sidney Russell, Maddy Bloom and Megan Walker all made contact throughout the game and got on base. 

Maddy Seimer suffered the loss in the circle, bringing her record to 2-5 on the year. Kenzie Longanecker pitched in relief, facing two batters in the ninth inning.

The Mavs scored first with a two-run home run in the top of the second inning but could do no more that inning. After Russell got on base in the bottom half of the inning with a single, Walters followed with a two-run shot to right center to tie the game at 2-2. Morton followed suit and hit her first home run, taking the first lead of the series against UTA, 3-2. 

In the bottom of the third inning, White wanted in on the action too, sending a solo shot to center field, bringing the score to 4-2.

The Mavs would fight back in the top of the fifth inning, scoring two runs on one hit and an error, tying the game at 4-4. 

In the seventh inning, UTA hit a single to put a runner on and a single to bring her home to take their first lead of the game. 

However, Baylee Morton wasn't done as she sent the game to extra innings with a solo home run to left center.

After a scoreless eighth, the Mavs managed five hits in the ninth inning including the go-ahead grand slam to take the lead 9-5. Longanecker would pitch in relief to finish the inning and give the Mountaineers one final chance. 

Bloom led the bottom of the ninth inning with a single to center to get on base. Morton followed with another home run to left center to bring the score to 9-7 and attempt to bring back life to the Mountaineer dugout. 

With two outs already, the Mountaineers were unable to complete the comeback, falling short and ending the game. 

The Mountaineers are back in action on Thursday against Coastal Carolina as they battle for fifth place in the Sun Belt Softball Championship. The series is the final series of the season for App State. Game one is set for 4 p.m. on Thursday followed by game two on Friday at 4 p.m. The series finale is set for 1 p.m. on Saturday. 

App State Softball thanks AutoStar Nissan of Boone for presenting the 2019 Softball Season.