SHEPHERDSTOWN, W. Va. – The Frostburg State Softball team fell to Shepherd, dropping both games of the doubleheader with scores of 2-1 and 10-2 on Wednesday afternoon.
Shepherd struck first in game one, getting on the board in the bottom of the first inning to jump out to an early 1-0 lead. Frostburg responded right away in their next at-bats, tying the game at one, as freshman Arden Miller reached base on an error from the Rams, and scored on a fielder's choice by sophomore Adriana Wimmer.
The Rams struck once more in the bottom of the third, taking a 2-1 lead. Both teams traded hits in the fourth inning, but both left one stranded. The fifth inning became a pitchers duel, as both pitchers faced three batters for three quick outs. FSU was able to get a hit in the top of the sixth and the top of the seventh, but couldn't put anymore runs on the board, falling in the first game with a final score of 2-1.
In game two, the Bobcats were able to find their rhythm early, getting off to a quick start in the top of the first. Sophomore Laura Gilford reached base after being hit by a pitch and junior Sierra Sanderson reached on a fielder's choice, allowing the first two batters of the game to reach base. Gilford and Sanderson both were credited with a steal, as a sacrifice fly from senior Brianna Powell allowed Gilford to score the first run of the game. Sanderson would be caught trying to go home on a fielder's choice, but back-to-back singles from Miller and junior Ryann Darling would bring in another run for FSU, allowing Frostburg to jump out to a 2-0 lead after their first at-bats.
It was now Shepherd's time to respond, as they took a 3-2 lead after their first at-bats. Frostburg was unable to record a hit in the top of the second, as the Rams went on to take a 5-2 lead heading into the third inning.
FSU stayed cold on offense for the next two innings, as Shepherd found ways to add to their lead, tallying on another run in the fourth, and two more in the fifth. The Bobcats got two runners aboard in the top of the sixth, both drawing walks, but couldn't find a way to bring anymore runs across the plate. The Rams kept their energy going on offense, tacking on two more runs in the top of the sixth, allowing the game to end in their favor with a score of 10-2.
Frostburg only recorded six hits on the day, with Miller and sophomore Jamie Roberts each being credited with a pair. Junior Sydney Theobald threw in game one, pitching a complete game, giving up five hits, two runs, and striking out two. Freshman Ashlynn Routzahn and sophomore Alyssa Albright both saw time on the mound in game two, with Routzahn being credited with the loss.
With the losses, Frostburg moves to 21-12 on the season, while Shepherd improves to 21-11. The Bobcats return to MEC action for their next game as they travel to face Alderson Broaddus on Friday, April 7 with the first game of the doubleheader set for 12 PM. For more information and updates, please visit frostburgsports.com.
