SALISBURY, Md. – The Frostburg State softball team split a two-game series at No. 6 Salisbury Sunday afternoon, falling 8-0 in the first game and picking up a hard-fought 3-2 victory in the second.
In the opening game, freshman Sam Gatton went 2-for-3 behind a double and a single, while sophomore Hannah Tavik, junior Lauren Capece and junior Hannah Stringer picked up one hit each.
However, it wasn't enough as the Sea Gulls (23-4, 11-3 CAC) scored three runs in the second inning, one in the third, three in the fourth and one in the sixth to power past the Bobcats (16-9, 6-4 CAC) in the six-inning affair.
Tavik fell to 7-5 in the circle on the season and struck out one in the loss.
Seven Bobcats registered hits in the second game, with Tavik leading the charge with a 3-for-4 performance at the plate. Gatton (2-for-3), junior Taylor Blevins (2-for-4) and sophomore Emily Zengel (2-for-4) all finished with two hits.
With one out in the top of the second inning and runners on first and second, Gatton singled up the middle to bring in Zengel and give the Bobcats a quick 1-0 lead. Following a one-two-three half-inning, it was Zengel's turn to drive in the next Frostburg run. With two outs and two runners on base, Zengel roped a hit up the middle to drive in Tavik and give FSU a 2-0 advantage.
Salisbury tied the game in the bottom of the fourth, but with two outs in the top of the sixth, Tavik drove in Gatton for the game-winning run.
With one out in the inning, Gatton drew a walk, but Stringer grounded to the catcher for the second out. With chances to score dwindling, Gatton stole second and, after a single from Tavik, reached home for the game-winner.
Freshman pitcher Allison Short (9-4) threw a 7.0-inning complete game for her ninth win of the season to help lift the Bobcats.
Gatton finished the day going 4-for-6 with three singles, two stolen bases, and a double. Tavik also finished the day 4-for-6 with four singles and an RBI.
Frostburg State returns to action Monday, April 13 for its final conference doubleheader of the season against Mary Washington at 3:00 pm.