BOCA RATON, Fla. – The Embry-Riddle softball team split a doubleheader at NCAA II Lynn on Sunday afternoon, taking the first game 5-4 in come-from-behind fashion before falling in the second game, 6-1.
 
The results move ERAU's record to 3-3 on the year, while Lynn now sits at 7-6.
 
Game 1 – ERAU 5, LU 4
 
The Eagles got off to a strong start, plating a run in the first inning on the strength of three base hits. Dee Espinosa opened the game with a base hit up the middle and Talia Barraco reached on a sac bunt fielder's choice that saw Espinosa beat the throw to second base. Sarah Huey then sacrificed both runners up 60 feet, which allowed Robi Zimmerman to drive in Espinosa from third with a solid single to left. Jessica Osteen came up next and reached on an infield single that loaded the bases with one out. Haleigh Lewis then hit a fly ball that looked deep enough to score the runner from third, but Barraco was narrowly thrown out at the plate to end the inning.
 
The Fighting Knights answered back in the second inning with four runs, including a three-run double from Cydney Schmidt, to take a 4-1 lead.
 
Lynn's lead held up until the sixth inning, when Embry-Riddle sent 10 players to the plate, scoring four times. Zimmerman led off with a walk, followed by a base hit from Osteen and a bunt single from Lewis, loading the bases with nobody out. Two batters later, Jennifer Estrada drew a five-pitch walk to score the first run. Rae Heuer came on to pinch hit and was promptly hit by the second pitch she saw, scoring Lewis with the second run of the inning. Two batters later, Barraco had a great at-bat, reaching on an infield single on the 11th pitch she saw, scoring Estrada to tie the game at 4-4. Huey then ripped a single through the right side, scoring Anna Battison to put the Blue and Gold ahead, 5-4.
 
Zimmerman set down the Fighting Knights in order in the sixth and the seventh to secure the 5-4 victory for the Eagles.
 
All nine Eagles reached base in the game, including a 2-for-3 effort from Osteen. Barraco, Huey and Zimmerman all went 1-for-3 with an RBI.
 
Zimmerman was strong in the circle, hurling a complete game to earn the win, improving to 2-1 on the year. The sophomore allowed four runs (three earned) on five hits, walking two and striking out three.
 
Schmidt went 1-for-3 with a double and three RBIs for Lynn, while Devin Kochergen was 2-for-4 and Sara Vazquez was 1-for-3 with a run scored and an RBI.
 
Kasey Murray took the loss for Lynn, dropping her record to 5-3. Murray threw 5.2 innings, allowing all five runs on eight hits, walking three and striking out none.
 
Game 2 – LU 6, ERAU 1
 
The second game started out as a pitcher's duel, with neither side pushing a run across until the bottom of the third, when Lynn scored a pair of runs to take a 2-0 lead.
 
Espinosa singled home Battison to get the Eagles on the board in the top of the fifth, trimming the deficit to 2-1.
 
The Fighting Knights responded with a four-spot in their half of the fifth, including a two-run home run by Cherise McEnery. The 6-1 lead would stand up as the final score.
 
Espinosa went 3-for-3 with an RBI and a stolen base, while Battison was 1-for-2 with a stolen base and a run scored.
 
Alexis Estrada took the loss, falling to 1-2 on the year. Estrada pitched 4.2 innings, giving up all six runs (three earned) on six hits, striking out two and walking none.
 
Missy Montgomery got the win, improving to 2-1. Montgomery threw all seven innings, allowing one run on six hits with one strikeout and no walks.
 
The Eagles are off for the next two weeks before Embry-Riddle welcomes Madonna for a doubleheader starting at 1 p.m. on Sunday, Mar. 2. Live stats as well as live video and audio will be available at www.erauathletics.com/live.