PENSACOLA, Fla. (January 30, 2020) – It was a tough day for Lubbock Christian University softball's first day ever of play on Florida soil, as West Florida swept No.19 LCU in a doubleheader at UWF Softball Complex. The Argonauts had a walk-off 2-1 win in the opener, before LCU dodged a no-hitter, but fell 7-1 in the second game.
GAME INFORMATION
Score: Game 1: No.19 LCU 1, UWF 2 | Game 2: No.19 LCU 1, UWF 7
Records: LCU (1-2), UWF (2-0)
Location: Pensacola, Fla. (UWF Softball Complex)
Time of Game: Game 1: 2:03 | Game 2: 1:45
Weather: Game 1: 61-Partly Cloudy / W-15 from CF | Game 2: 62-Mostly Cloudy /W-10 from CF
Game 1
LCU Highlights:
- Savannah Wysocki 2-for-4 with two stolen bases
- Taylor Franco 6.0 innings pitched, 0 earned runs allowed and 3 strikeouts.
- Skyler Herrera 1-for-2 with a SAC fly RBI.
Turning Point:
LCU had the bases loaded in the top of the fourth inning, with one out, and was unable to advance the runners. Pitcher Kelsey Sweatt struck out
Athena Muniz and
Alexa Riggs to get out of the jam and LCU stranded all three runners.
How it Happened:
- LCU's first error and errors of the season came on the same play in the second inning, and it led to the first run for UWF. A ground ball with two outs was booted on the right side of the diamond. The play developed in a rundown between first and second base in which a throw sailed high and it allowed Courtney McLellan, the UWF runner at third base, to score.
- LCU matched the run in the next half inning. With Wysocki at third base, Herrera was able to sacrifice Wysocki home with a high fly ball into foul territory in deep left field.
- The Argos walked it off in the bottom of the seventh inning. As the Argos held up Laurynn Boggs at third base, McLellan, the trail runner, tried to advance to second base. The throw to second base got away and the error allowed Boggs to score the game winning run.
Inside the Numbers:
- LCU stranded eight runners on base, as they were 1-for-10 with runners on base and 0-for-6 with runners in scoring position.
- Taylor Franco suffered the loss despite not allowing an earned run. The last time LCU lost a game without allowing an earned run was on Apr. 6, 2019, as LCU had lost a game to Oklahoma Chrisitan.
- While LCU struggled going 0-for-6 with runners in scoring position, Franco kept the Argos 0-for-7 with runners in scoring position.
- LCU suffered their first walk-off loss since falling on a wild pitch to Oklahoma Christian on May 4, 2019 in the Heartland Conference Championship game.
Game 2
LCU Highlights:
Turning Point:
In the third inning, UWF increased their 4-0 lead with a controversial triple hit by Courtney McLellan. Her hit to the right of the right field foul ball pole line (against the wall) was ruled fair, which allowed two runs to score for a 6-0 lead.
How it Happened:
- Angela Angurkis hit a two-run double in the first inning for UWF. She eventually scored later in the inning to build the Argos lead to 3-0 through the first inning.
- Courtney McLellan's two-run triple in the third inning built the lead to 6-0 for UWF.
- The Argonauts were two outs away from a combined no-hitter, but Angela Donaldson ended those thoughts launching a blast against the wind and over the centerfield fence for the Lady Chaps first home run of the year.
Inside the Numbers:
- Rachel Kuehnle made her LCU debut with a relief outing and retired all eight batters faced.
- LCU's one hit in the game was their fewest hit total since being one-hit Mar. 13, 2019 by Rogers State.
- Angela Donaldson's home run marked her sixth of her LCU career.
- LCU moved to 0-2 all-time against UWF, as the two teams were meeting for the first time.
Up Next:
LCU returns home and will host the Lubbock Sports College Invitational, beginning Friday. LCU's first game is set against Washburn at 2 p.m.
