Beavers Struggle Offensively In SLIAC Showdown

The softball team entered the day with an opportunity to make a statement in conference and take two from SLIAC favorite Fontbonne.  However, the Beavers walked away winless in an offensive struggle against the Griffins by scores of 4-0 and 7-1.

Blackburn threw Lauren Rhodes in the first game, who allowed only one baserunner through three innings.  But in the top of the fourth inning, Fontbonne struck first putting up three runs on five hits. Down 4-0, the Beavers had their best opportunity in the bottom of the seventh putting the first two batters on base when Lauren Rhodes got hit by the pitch and Miranda Hartman singled.  Even with two runners in scoring position, Blackburn was unable to bring any in as the next three hitters were retired thus ending the game.

Lauren Rhodes went the distance for the Beavers giving up four runs on nine hits while striking out two. Kelsey Moreland and Miranda Hartman tallied the only hits for the Beavers.

In the second game Fontbonne continued to show their offensive prowess and jumped out to a 5-0 lead after three innings.  Yet Blackburn responded in the bottom of the fourth when Lauren Rhodes started the rally with a double and Miranda Hartman singled to drive her in. Blackburn struggled to drive in runs leaving five runners on base, preventing any sort of rally.

The Griffins would return the favor and hit two home runs in the fifth and seventh inning to put the game out of reach by a score of 7-1.  Lauren Rhodes had the only multi-hit game for Blackburn going 2-3 while Miranda Hartman went 1-3 and an RBI. Amber Byrley took the loss throwing seven innings of seven run ball while striking out two.

Sitting at 12-5 (3-3) The Beavers will host Illinois College for some non-conference action this Saturday with first pitch scheduled for 12:00 noon.