MANCHESTER, Ind.- The Adrian College softball team took a trip to Manchester University on Wednesday afternoon for a midweek series where the Bulldogs split both games with Manchester University.
HOW IT HAPPENED GAME 1:
Adrian came out firing on all cylinders in the top of the first inning, putting up a five-run explosion to seize an early lead. Maggie Leveille ignited the offense with a sharp single to left, driving in Taylor Gerhardt for the game's first run. Peyton Russell kept the momentum rolling with another single, plating another run. Russell capitalized on an error off Alaina Craig's bat, scoring a third run in the inning. Genna Marasco then put the finishing touch on the explosive first frame with a double to the left-center gap, driving in two more runs to give Adrian a commanding advantage.
Manchester managed to chip away with their only run of the game in the fifth inning, but Adrian quickly responded. Hanna Walker extended the lead with a single in the seventh, and Craig added an insurance run with a double to the gap, bringing Russell home for her second run of the day.
Offensively, Adrian's lineup was on fire. Taylor Gerhardt went 2-for-4 with a run scored, while Maggie Leveille was 2-for-3 with an RBI and a walk. Peyton Russell contributed with a 2-for-4 performance, an RBI, and two runs scored. Genna Marasco also went 2-for-4, driving in two RBIs, while Alaina Craig finished 2-for-3 with two RBIs and a run scored.
In the circle, Abbi Patton was absolutely dominant. She threw a complete game, allowing just six hits and one run, while striking out four batters. Patton earned her third win of the season with an outstanding performance that kept Manchester off balance all game long.
HOW IT HAPPENED GAME 2:
Adrian jumped out to an early lead once again, with Karsyn Malinich grounding out to bring Gerhardt home from third. However, Manchester responded in the bottom of the inning, quickly evening the score. Hailey DeChalk delivered the equalizer with a well-executed ground out to second, scoring Leveille and tying the game.
In the second game of the day, the Bulldog offense faced a tougher challenge, managing just two runs in a 3-2 defeat. Despite the loss, Macee Shang put forth a solid effort in the circle, pitching six strong innings. She struck out five batters, allowed nine hits, and gave up three earned runs.
The Bulldogs are back in action on Saturday, March 22 as they will travel to Anderson, Indiana to take on Anderson University. First pitch is scheduled for 1:00 PM and the second for 3:00 PM
