NEWBERRY — The Wolves (7-3) split Sunday’s doubleheader with the Braves (6-6) winning Game One 2-1 and losing Game Two 2-0.

Game One came down to the pitching from both teams ultimately turning the contest into a pitcher’s duel. The Braves were held to four hits and one run over the course of seven innings. Starting pitcher, Emily Marchbanks went for 76 pitches in 4.1 innings but landed a no decision. Sophomore right handed pitcher, Selice Daley entered the game to pitch the final 2.2 innings and obtained her first win of the season. Daley only gave up one run during her time in the circle.

Newberry found themselves on the board first with a run from Kailey Carpenter in the bottom of the second. Carpenter was sent home by a double to left center by Allison Van Atta, which shifted Myranda Dills to third.

UNC Pembroke ended their scoreless drought in the top of the seventh when Jamie Johnson singled to left field sending Kaitlynn Norton to score. This scoring threat put the pressure on Newberry’s offense and prompted a quick response.

Newberry headed into the bottom of the seventh with the game resting on their ability to score. McKenzie Barneycastle entered the game to pinch hit and doubled to right center. Paige Meyer’s sacrifice bunt to the third baseman propelled Barneycastle to third base. Natalie Willis’ walk-off single to left field wrapped up the game up for the Wolves as Barneycastle scored.

There were several standout hitters in Game One for Newberry. Van Atta’s three at-bats led to a hit and an RBI. Barneycastle nabbed a hit and a run on her first at-bat. Natalie Willis finished Game One with two hits and a RBI over her three stays behind the plate.

Game Two saw UNC Pembroke string together a series of hits in the top of the fifth that eventually gave them the win. UNC Pembroke’s Taylor Gerhart singled to left field and sent two Braves to score. Newberry had six hits and multiple occasions on base, but couldn’t capitalize.

Sydney Patterson, Willis and Barneycastle each went three rounds batting with a hit. Maggie Herrera also found herself behind home plate three times and garnered two hits.

Alyssa Ball was the starting pitcher for Newberry in Game Two and went five innings to take the loss, 2-2 on the season. Chelsey Cunningham relieved Ball and was perfect in two innings.

Saturday afternoon the Wolves swept Erskine in a 3-2 comeback in Game One and 3-0 in Game Two.

The Wolves split Sunday’s doubleheader with UNC Pembroke winning Game One 2-1 and falling 2-0 in Game Two.
https://www.newberryobserver.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/web1_Softball-2018-1.jpgThe Wolves split Sunday’s doubleheader with UNC Pembroke winning Game One 2-1 and falling 2-0 in Game Two. Courtesy photo

Staff Report