CLARKSVILLE, TN– The Braves went 3-2 in the Cathi Maynard Invitational, powered by their offense following rain delays into the weekend.
Game 1
The Braves were able to string together four doubles to put them ahead, early. Bailey Sample, Abbott Badgley, Ashley Breeding, and Lauren DeRolf all hit RBI doubles to put the Braves up in the third inning and fourth innings.
The Braves were able to score all 8 of their runs in those two innings.
Defensively, the Braves recorded no errors and Sydney Kennedy only allowed 2 hits throughout the game, while recording 8 strikeouts.
Game 2
The Braves matched up with the Zips for the second time, however it was a different game. The Zips came out and scored early in the game, leading it 6-0 going into the 5th inning.
Bradley was able to cut the deficit to 3 in the 5th inning because of a Bailey Sample homerun.
Kierston McCoy followed it up with a homerun in the 6th, to put the score at 6-4.
The Braves were able to rally in the bottom of the 7th to take the win, 7-6.
"Not one person surprised me today. Instead, it was great to see the entire team show up day one of the weekend," said Head Coach Sarah Willis. "We have had some slow starts and today they came out with the focus and intent to win each pitch."
Game 3
In a hard fought battle, the Braves came up short to the Governors. The Braves offense got out to a hot start in the first inning, scoring 3 runs on an Abbott Badgley 3-run shot.
The Braves were able to piece together 12 hits throughout the game, but were ultimately stalled by their defense.
The Governors took the 9-6 win on only 6 hits.
Game 4
What seems to be the story of the weekend, the Braves bats were able to get hot early. The Braves were able to score 4 runs in the first two innings to solidify the win.
Sydney Kennedy was able to pick up her 5th win of the season with 5 strikeouts in 5.0 innings pitched, allowing only 3 hits.
Game 5
The Governors were able to stifle the red-hot Braves bats. Austin Peay was only allowed 6 hits in their win by Abbott Badgley.
The only score of the game came in the first inning with a 2-run homerun.
The Braves had four hits but were not able to convert.
Coming Up…
The Braves will be back in action to commence conference play on March 15th to take on Indiana State in a weekend series.
