DUNCAN, SC - Francis Marion University built a 4-0 advantage and then behind senior right-hander
Janecia Hemingway survived a late Belmont Abbey College rally to secure a 4-3 win, Saturday afternoon (April 30) in an elimination game of the 2022 Conference Carolinas Softball Tournament. FMU advances to face sixth-seeded Emmanuel College later Saturday evening in another elimination contest.
Senior righty
Rachel Davis was the winning pitcher as she went 5.2 innings and allowed three runs on five hits with one walk and three strikeouts. Hemingway entered the game in the sixth and retired four of the five batters she faced to garner her third save of 2022.
Graduate student center fielder
NaJah Gerrald was the lone Patriot with multiple hits.
The Patriots got on the scoreboard in the second inning when junior first baseman
Savana Rosson powered her school-record 16th home run over the left field fence. The margin increased to 4-0 in the fourth when sophomore designated player
Grace Trautman drilled a two-run double to right field and Gerrald registered an RBI-infield single.
The Crusaders (32-15) scored their three runs in the sixth on four hits and left the tying run on third base.
Belmont Abbey starter Alannah Browne (12-5) was tagged with the loss as she surrendered all four runs.
Francis Marion 4, Belmont Abbey 3 (Apr 30, 2022 at Duncan, SC)
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Francis Marion...... 010 300 0 - 4 6 0 (32-19)
Belmont Abbey...... 000 003 0 - 3 6 0 (32-15)
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Pitchers: Francis Marion -
Rachel Davis;
Janecia Hemingway(6) and
Lauren Smallwood.
Belmont Abbey - A. Browne; A. Craver(4) and M. Sprinkle.
Win-
Rachel Davis(14-7) Save-
Janecia Hemingway(3) Loss-A. Browne(12-5) T-1:54 A-207
HR FMU_SB -
Savana Rosson (16). HR BAC - P. Whitley (9).
Weather: 74, sunndy, wind out to LF
GAME NOTES
» Francis Marion's highest scoring inning was the fourth, when it pushed three runs across.
» The Patriots had control of the rest of the game after jumping ahead of the Crusaders 1-0 in the top of the second.
» Francis Marion pitchers faced 27 Belmont Abbey hitters in the game, allowing four ground balls and 11 fly balls while striking out four.
» The Patriots drew four walks from Belmont Abbey pitching.
» Gerrald led the Patriots at the plate, going 2-for-3 with a triple and an RBI.
» Belmont Abbey was led offensively by senior P. Whitley, who went 1-for-3 with a home run and three RBI.
» Freshman A. Craver led the Crusaders pitching staff, throwing 3.1 shutout innings.
