Columbia
Coastal Carolina
Bookend Rallies Come Up Short In 8-3 Loss To Coastal Carolina
3/16/2016 2:34:00 PM | Softball
CONWAY, S.C. – Despite a pair of runs in the opening frame and a seventh-inning rally, the Columbia softball team (3-12) was unable to work its way back as it fell to Coastal Carolina, 8-3, on Wednesday night.
Columbia wasted no time attacking as Reilly Metzger sent a one-out base hit down the left-field line to get things started in the top of the first. With two outs, Metzger took off for second and although the throw beat her to the bag, the rookie was able to get under the tag for the stolen base, allowing Taylor Troutt to step to the plate and blast a two-out, two-run home run over the left-center fence to give Columbia the early 2-0 lead.
The Chanticleers responded back in the bottom half of the frame with a back-to-back singles and a double steal before a sac fly could cut the Columbia lead to 2-1. Despite the run, Tessa Kroll was able to secure a pair of strikeouts, ending the inning to keep the Lions on top heading into the second.
With the Lions still holding on to a 2-1 lead in the bottom of the third, Tessa Kroll was able to strike out her first two batters before Kelsey Dominik could send a solo blast over the center-field fence to tie the game up at 2-2.
Unfortunately the Chanticleers were not done there as they put up two more runs on a two-RBI double by Kailey Mellen to extend it out to a 4-2 advantage heading into the fourth.
From there the Lions were unable to manufacture a run as the Chanticleers added another in the fourth and three more on a three-run home run by Kelsey Dominik in the sixth to take an 8-2 lead into the seventh.
Down to its final three outs, Kayla Maloney was able to get the Columbia offense started with a double all the way to the right-center fence before Maura Lynch could come in and drive her in on a pinch-hit, RBI single to cut the Chanticleers' lead to 8-3.
Despite a Coastal Carolina error to put runners on the corners with two outs, the Chanticleers were able to get out of the jam with a fly ball to deep center to end the game and seal an 8-3 victory.
Kelsey Dominik (8-7) earned the win for the Chanticleers after throwing six innings, allowing only two runs on four hits while striking out five. Tessa Kroll (1-6) took the loss after throwing 6.0 innings, allowing eight runs on 11 hits while striking out five.
Kerry Cook led the Columbia offense after going 2-for-3 while Taylor Troutt (1-for-3) and Kayla Maloney (1-for-3) each picked up an extra-base hit.
The Lions will return to action on Thursday, March 17, as they take on UNC Wilmington at 6 p.m. in the first of a three-game set.
