Coastal Carolina softball fell short to Marshall 6-3 in the first of a three-game series, dropping its record to 22-20 on the season.
Marshall struck first in the top of the second inning with back-to-back singles up the middle by first baseman Bella Gerlach and shortstop Paige Simpson. Center fielder Diamond Leslie followed with a three-run home run to give Marshall a 3-0 lead.
Marshall stayed on top in the third inning after loading the bases with a combination of walks and a hit. Two errors by Coastal shortstop Brie Normandin allowed three runners to score, pushing the lead to 6-0.
Despite Marshall holding better season records, Marshall fan Laura Turner emphasized the competitive challenge of conference matchups.
“Our record was a little better than Coastal, but statistically, we matched up even, so I knew it was gonna be a good game,” Turner said.
Coastal broke through in the sixth inning when infielder Kaelin Cash hit a solo home run to right center field, cutting Marshall’s lead to 6-1.
Third baseman Delaney Keith and first baseman Georgia Hood brought Coastal closer in the bottom of the seventh inning with back-to-back solo home runs, bringing the score to 6-3.
CCU supporter Brandon Harrington acknowledged Coastal’s offensive efforts later in the game.
“I thought the girls did well. We gotta clean up a couple of the errors. In the last four innings, we outscored them three to zero,” Harrington said.
Both starting pitchers turned in strong performances. Marshall’s Jules King recieving the win. King gave up eight hits, three earned runs, two walks and struck out six batters.
Coastal starter McKennah Metzger allowed seven hits, four earned runs, three walks and one strike out.
Regardless of the outcome, Coastal fan Spencer Bendle was impressed with Metzger’s ability to battle through a tough game. .
“I thought Metzger probably deserved a little bit better, but she pitched great. I’d take that every day of the week,” Bendle said.
CCU will look to even the series at home in game two of three on Saturday.
