FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – The Embry-Riddle softball team continued its winning ways by pulling out a road win against Nova Southeastern, 5-2.
When trailing 2-0 in the sixth inning, it looked like the Eagles' winning streak would end at seven; however, ERAU (11-5, 4-0 Sunshine State Conference) had other plans.
After falling behind in the bottom of the fifth inning,
Maggie Scott started the sixth with a bunt single.
Lisa Hop followed with a walk, and both runners would advance into scoring position after a groundout.
Katy Thompson's groundball to second allowed Scott to score to make it a one-run game.
Meritxell Blesa came off the bench with a pinch-hit single to score Hop and tie the game at two.
With one out in the seventh inning,
Savannah Brockenbrough smoked a line drive that was misplayed by the centerfielder which allowed the freshman to reach third base. She would score on a single by Scott to give ERAU its first lead of the game. After another walk by Hop, Thompson added some insurance with two-RBI double to make it a 5-2 ballgame.
Hop held Nova Southeastern (9-9, 2-2 SSC) scoreless in the bottom of the inning to seal the Eagles' fourth Sunshine State Conference win of the season.
Scott led the Blue and Gold with three hits and an RBI. Thompson followed with two hits and three RBIs.
Jayla Jackson kept the Eagles in the game while they were struggling to produce on offense through the first half of the contest. The Michigan native finished with 5.2 innings pitched and 11 strikeouts with two earned runs.
The Eagles had a chance to take an early lead in the first. Scott started the game with a single and stolen base to give ERAU a runner in scoring position with no outs. After two quick outs, Thompson had an infield single to put runners on first and third; however, they would be stranded after a pop out.
The Sharks were threatening in the third inning. A hit batter followed by two singles loaded the bases with one out. Jackson would force a strikeout and pop out to escape the jam unscathed.
Both teams struggled to string hits together, as the pitcher's duel would continue into the bottom of the fifth. NSU would break the scoreless tie with a leadoff home run. A double, followed by a sac bunt and sacrifice fly gave the Sharks a 2-0 lead heading into the sixth.
ERAU would answer immediately in the top of the sixth and would not look back. This is the Eagles' third comeback win of the season.
The Blue and Gold will finish the season series against NSU tomorrow. Game one of tomorrow's doubleheader will start at 12 p.m.
