PEORIA, Ill.– The Braves split the final two games of the series with the Salukis to avoid the sweep and take another conference win.
Game 1
The Braves were down early with the Salukis offense exploding for five runs in the first four innings.
Bradley was able to punch some runs across the plate late in the sixth inning. The Braves loaded up the bases and Bailey Sample took a HBP to get Kierston McCoy in. That play was followed by a Sydney Kennedy 2-RBI single. To make the final score 8-3.
Game 2
The Braves were able to hit against Maddia Groff, second best pitcher in the nation coming into the weekend, to take a 3-1 win.
"Groff is one of the top pitchers in the Conference and is very effective with her approach against hitters," said Head Coach Sarah Willis. "Offensively it took several looks to commit and execute our approach against Groff. It was nice to see our line up make some adjustments and execute."
The Braves threatened early against Eberle, starting pitcher for the Salukis, who gave up back-to-back walks but were quickly shut down when Groff came in.
The following inning, Sydney Kennedy had a bases clearing double to get three across for the Braves and take the lead.
Kennedy was able to settle in the circle after giving up an early homerun in the top of the first. Kennedy etched her name in the Bradley history books, now standing 10th all-time for single season strikeouts with 123.
"They are starting to see the potential and it's time we move the needle," said Sarah Willis.
Coming Up…
The Braves will play a midweek doubleheader against Northern Illinois at 2 p.m., with the second game following.
