MONROE, La. — Emily Parrott's go-ahead grand slam in the fifth inning and five no-hit innings in another strong relief appearance from
Sejal Neas helped App State Softball overcome a five-run deficit in a 7-6 road victory against ULM on Saturday.
The Mountaineers (17-11, 5-3) clinched a Sun Belt series victory by taking the first two games of the three-game set against the Warhawks (17-10, 3-5), with Sunday's finale scheduled for 1 p.m. ET (noon CT). Overall, App State has won its last nine meetings against ULM, including four wins by a single run.
A day after picking up a save in a 6-3 victory to open the weekend, Neas (3-1) entered with two on and nobody out in the third inning. The Mountaineers were able to erase a 6-1 deficit as Neas retired 15 of the 16 batters she faced, including the final 11.
All of App State's scoring in a six-run fifth to move ahead 7-6 came with two outs. Pinch-hitter
Kam Caldwell hit a two-run double to trim the Mountaineers' deficit to 6-3, and consecutive walks preceded Parrott's huge grand slam.
Baylee Morton's one-out single in the fifth started the rally, and pinch-runner
Abby Cunningham moved to second on
McKenzie McCullen's infield single. A fielder's choice involving pinch-hitter
Kati Waalk put runners at the corners, and Caldwell drove in both of them with a double to left.
Addie Wray and
Emma Jones both walked on 3-2 pitches to load the bases for Parrott, who homered for the third time this season. She had a walk-off homer to end App State's first victory of the season.
The Mountaineers drew 10 walks and finished with an 8-2 advantage in hits, as Parrott and McCullen recorded two apiece.
App State starting pitcher
Taylor Nichols allowed two earned runs in two innings, with four runs in a five-run second being unearned. Neas took over in the third and was nearly flawless in the 12th appearance of her freshman season.
