ARKADELPHIA, Ark. - The Reddies (20-24, 8-15) welcomed the University of Arkansas-Pine Bluff for a mid-week non-conference doubleheader today, defeating the Golden Lions 8-3 in game one, and 5-3 in game two.
Game One: Henderson State 8, UAPB 3
Henderson State struck first in game one, scoring four runs in the bottom of the first. Akers singled to center to open the inning, then
Tatum Bittick hit a sacrifice bunt to advance Akers to second.
Josie Copeland then struck a single to score Akers from second.
Josie Golden walked to advance Copeland, before both scored off a double by
Jay Albiter. Finally, Albiter scored from another double by
Aspyn Beattie to give the Reddies the 4-0 lead. The Reddies then added another run in the second inning, as Bittick singled then stole second, before being brought home by another single by Copeland.
The Golden Lions finally got on the board in the fifth inning after being held scoreless until then, scoring three to trail 5-3. The Reddies then secured the win by scoring three more runs in the sixth, leading to the 8-3 final score. Akers doubled to left to put the first runner on base, before advancing to third on an infield bunt single by Bittick. After stealing second, Bittick advanced to third, while Akers scored on a fielder's choice, while Copeland reached first. On a fielding error by Pine Bluff, Bittick scored while Copeland advanced to third. Copeland then scored off a sac fly by Golden.
The Reddies recorded eight runs on 11 hits.
Josie Copeland went 3-4 with three RBIs, while
Jay Albiter went 2-4 with two doubles and two RBIs.
Jersey Cabana (10-10) earned the start for the Reddies, pitching a complete game while giving up three runs on four hits. Cabana matched her season high of five strikeouts and walked two.
Game Two: Henderson State 5, UAPB 3
In game two, Pine Bluff was the team that struck first, scoring one run in the first inning to take a 1-0 lead. They then extended their lead to 2-0 in the third inning, before Henderson State could respond. In the bottom of the fourth, the Reddies pushed the score to 2-1 as
Mazzi Jones doubled, then scored off a single by
Hilary Akers.
The Reddies took the lead in the fifth inning as
Josie Copeland opened the inning with a walk, before pinch runner
Kyndlee Clark stole second to put the first runner in scoring position. Clark then advanced to third on a groundout, before scoring on a fielder's choice, while
Josie Golden advanced to second on the throw. A double by
Paige Brandes scored Golden, and the Reddies led 3-2.
In the sixth inning, the Golden Lions tied it 3-3, but the Reddies scored two more to retake the lead. Akers singled to put the first runner on, then advanced to third on a bunt single by
Tatum Bittick, who then advanced to second on the throw. A wild pitch scored Akers and advanced Bittick to third, before Bittick scored on a sacrifice fly by Copeland.
The Reddies scored five runs on nine hits, with
Hilary Akers going 3-4 with an RBI, while
Paige Brandes went 2-3 with a double and an RBI.
Presley Applegate (9-11) pitched a complete game, giving up three runs on six hits, while recording four strikeouts and two walks.
Up next -
Henderson State remain home this weekend to host Southwestern Oklahoma State for a three-game series. The first game is scheduled for 6:00 P.M on Friday April 17th at Dee White Field.
