Wheeling, W. Va- The Wheeling University Softball team (9-35), (4-18) battled it out with their Route 88 rival on Wednesday evening in what turned out to be a very entertaining doubleheader. The Hilltoppers got the first run across in the first inning of game one, but Eden Troxel hit a single that brought in the tying run. Then, in the seventh inning, West Liberty committed three errors that allowed Wheeling to load the bases and for KeKeWarrix to touch home to walk-off game one 2-1. Game two showed a little bit more offense for both teams. WLU took a 2-0 lead, but Mikaela Holp brought home Rayn Casassa in the third and Taylor Walsh hit an RBI-double to tie the game up in the sixth. However, West Lib scored two runs in extra innings, and Wheeling was only able to manufacture one run, and the Hilltoppers took game two 4-3.
Among the Cardinal batters, Grace Mummery and Taylor Walsh each totaled three hits on Wednesday to spearhead the Cardinal offense. In game one, Walsh made contact with the ball, and it was because of that contact that and the fumble by the Hilltopper's shortstop that gave Warrix enough time to slide into home from third base to snap a six-game losing streak for the team.
Kaylin Shields picked up her third win of the season after pitching 7.0 innings in game one. The sophomore made it difficult for the Hilltoppers to generate any offense, only giving up five hits all game long. She struck out three batters as well, which means she only needs four more to hit the century mark this season. She currently sits sixth in the Mountain East Conference (MEC) among batters struck out with 96.
The Matchups
The Frostburg State Bobcats are comfortably in second place in the MEC's North Division with a conference record of 15-5. However, they are on a three-game losing skid after being swept by Fairmont State 7-5 in 10 innings and then falling 16-6 in game two. The Bobcats have nine players batting over .300, but none compare to senior outfielder Arden Miller, who is batting a crisp .402 with 42 runs, 47 hits, 47 RBIs, and eight home runs. Frostburg has a 19-3 overall record against Wheeling dating back to 2021. The Bobcats have won the previous three games, including the doubleheader played earlier this month on April 4th, when they won 11-1 in game one and 5-1 in game two.
Fairmont State is the only other team ahead of Frostburg as they sit first in the North Division with a record of 17-3 in league play. The Fighting Falcons are riding high on a four-game winning streak after sweeping Concord and Frostburg. Fairmont is an extremely talented team that is headlined by the MEC's top hitter, senior Bella Hess. She bats .408 and has recorded 39 runs, 49 hits, and 12 RBIs. The Falcons are 33-14 against the Cardinals dating back to 2012 and have won the last 14 straight games, including the 10-2 and 2-1 victories on April 3rd this season.
The Details
The Wheeling University Softball team hosts the Frostburg State Bobcats on Saturday, April 25th and the Fairmont State Fighting Falcons the following day on April 26th. Game times and links will be provided below.
Frostburg State vs Wheeling (Game One @1pm)
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Frostburg State vs Wheeling (Game Two @3pm)
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Fairmont State vs Wheeling (Game One @1pm)
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Fairmont State vs Wheeling (Game Two @3pm)
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