Salem, W.V. - The Wheeling University Softball team finished up their weekend at the Salem Invitational with a big win over Winston-Salem State (3-4) and a heartbreaking loss to University of Pitt Johnstown (6-5). Although the Cardinals were close to taking two today, it was a good response to break the 7 game skid and a momentum builder with conference play starting next weekend. 

Game 1: Wheeling-12 Winston Salem State-6

Despite the big run total, it was a slow start for the Cardinals. Wheeling was held scoreless in the first 3 innings and after scoring 1 in the 4th they allowed 4 and found themselves behind 5-1. The 5th inning was a whole different story though. The offense exploded for 9 runs. 9 runs is the most they have scored in a game all year and matched that total in the 5th inning alone. 

The top of the lineup led the way for Wheeling. Leadoff hitter Keke Warrix had 3 hits on the day with 3 RBI and Mackenize Burns, who was hitting in the 2 hole, reached base 4  times in 5 plate appearances. 3 of 4 of those were walks, which is about the only way opposing teams have been able to slow down Mackenzie Burns early in her collegiate career. Warrix's RBI numbers were helped by the bottom of the lineup's hitting. Each of the 6 through 9 hitters had a hit in the game and Maria Clark and Ava Kresak each had 2 hits. 

After that 4th inning Kaylin Shields came in to pitch and threw a great 3 innings only allowing 3 base runners and 1 earned run with 7 strikeouts. Wheeling was able to add two insurance runs in the top of the 7th and Shields closed the door in the bottom half of the inning. 

Game 2: Pitt Johnstown-4 Wheeling-0

After an offensive outburst in game 1, the pitchers dueled in game 2. Wheeling had 1 hit in this game, but did get walked 5 times. Marissa Rodriguez provided the lone hit for the Cardinals and Mackenzie Burns, Maria Harrison, and Ava Kresak drew a walk and Denise Carrillo drew 2 walks.

Kaylin Shields was the star in the circle again in game 2. She allowed 9 hits and 1 walk but did not give in with runners on base. She pitched 7 scoreless for the Cards but that deadly 4th time through the lineup snuck up on her. In the 8th inning Pitt Johnstown was able to score 4 runs, 3 of which were earned. Shields was relieved by Ryleigh Peters who retired the only batter she faced. 

Wheeling is scheduled to play next Wednesday March 18th at home against Cedarville University in a double header starting at 3pm.