Softball Takes Game One Against UNCG

GREENSBORO, N.C. - App State (2-2) surges past UNCG (0-3) 9-5 Saturday afternoon, sparked by Baylee Morton's go-ahead, two-run blast in the sixth.

The Mountaineers plated eight of nine runs in the final four frames, three in the fourth, two in the sixth and three in the seventh. 

However, App State struck first to lead 1-0 after one half-inning and then trailed 3-1 through three complete.

The Mountaineers' first hit did not come until the top of the fourth as UNCG jumped out to a 5-4 advantage heading into the top of the sixth.

In a back and forth affair early, a base-clearing, two-out double by Emma Jones lifted App State to a 4-3 lead in the top of the fourth. The Spartans would answer back with two runs off of two hits and an error to retake the lead, 5-4.

The Black and Gold held UNCG the rest of the way and did not look back offensively. App State pushed across three insurance runs in the seventh to extend their final advantage to 9-5.

Kenzie Longanecker pitched a complete game win, allowing five runs on eight hits behind only two walks.

Mary Pierce Barnes and Gabby Buruato collected three hits apiece as Barnes accounted for two doubles while Buruato smashed one of her own. Both Barnes and Buruato finished 3-for-4 up at the plate. 

Buruato also led the way in scoring with three runs. Barnes and Caylie Kifer each scored twice on the day.

Morton and Jones both knocked in three RBIs apiece. Buruato hit in two Mountaineer baserunners and Keri White had one as well. 

App State will wrap up its series against the Spartans tomorrow, with a doubleheader beginning at Noon.