DUNCAN, SC – Top-seeded King University scored four runs in the second inning and held on for a 4-3 win over fifth-seeded Francis Marion University, Friday afternoon (April 29) on the second day of the 2022 Conference Carolinas Softball Tournament.
 
Francis Marion, now 30-19, drops to the losers' bracket where they will face the Barton College later Friday at 4 p.m.
 
The double-elimination tournament is being played at Tyger River Park in Duncan, S.C.
 
Senior right-hander Janecia Hemingway (8-8) started for FMU and took the loss, as she allowed the four runs. Junior righty Rachel Davis came on to toss five scoreless frames in relief, allowing only one hit and one walk with four strikeouts.
 
Sophomore designated player Grace Trautman had two hits and a run batted in to pace FMU at the plate.
 
Francis Marion took a 1-0 advantage in the top of the first when junior first baseman Savana Rosson doubled home senior third baseman Ashtyn Patterson.  The margin doubled to 2-0 in the second when sophomore catcher Lauren Smallwood scored on an RBI grounder by Patterson.
 
The Tornado (39-15) then plated their four runs in the bottom of the second.  The big blow was a three-run double by center fielder Tinsley Thompson.  An RBI-single by designated player Erin Foster accounted for the final tally.  FMU graduate student center fielder NaJah Gerrald helped end out the outburst when she threw out a Tornado runner at the plate trying to score on a fly out.
 
FMU trimmed the margin to 4-3 in the sixth.  Trautman dropped a run-scoring single down the right field line.  However, with runners at first and third and only one out, the Patriots were unable to push across the tying run.
 
Francis Marion was retired in order in the seventh by righty Marleigh Duncan (8-7), who earned the win in relief.
 
 
King University 4, Francis Marion 3 (Apr 29, 2022 at Duncan, S.C.)
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Francis Marion...... 110 001 0 -  3  6  1      (30-19)
King University..... 040 000 X -  4  6  0      (39-15)
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Pitchers: Francis Marion - Janecia Hemingway; Rachel Davis(2) and Lauren Smallwood.
King University - Carly Turner; Marleigh Duncan(4) and Rikkelle Miller.
Win-Marleigh Duncan(8-7)  Loss-Janecia Hemingway(8-8)  T-1:56  A-153
Weather: 71, sunny, wind out RC
Hemingway faced 7 batters in the 2nd.
 
GAME NOTES
» Francis Marion's highest scoring inning was the sixth, when it pushed one run across.
» Francis Marion went 3-for-10 (.300) with runners in scoring position.
» Francis Marion pitchers faced 27 King (TN) hitters in the game, allowing zero ground balls and 13 fly balls while striking out five.
» Grace Trautman led the Patriots at the plate, going 2-for-3 with an RBI.
» King (TN) was led offensively by sophomore Tinsley Thompson, who went 2-for-3 with a double and three RBI.
» Sophomore Marleigh Duncan led the Tornados pitching staff, throwing four innings of one-run ball.