HARTSVILLE, S.C.- The Coker softball team picked up two losses on the final day of the Coker Spring Tournament, first to Shepherd (7-4) and then to King (Tenn.) (5-2).
Game One
In the first game of the day for the Cobras, it was slow going until the fourth inning. With two outs in the inning, the Shepherd first baseman hit a three-run home run to center field. The Rams added to their lead with with a bases loaded single through the left side. The next batter reached on a fielder's choice and a runner scored on an error at third base, bringing Shepherd's lead to 5-0.
Coker added three runs on the board in the bottom half of the fifth inning. After Nikki Linthicum garnered a walk, Mindy North doubled down the left field line. North advanced to third on the throw, allowing Linthicum to cross the plate. Kelsi Bachmann was then hit by a pitch. Bachmann advanced to second and North scored on a wild pitch. With runners on the corners, Maria Williamson reached on a fielder's choice, plating Bachmann.
In the sixth, Cacey Simmons was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded, with Linthicum scoring again.
Shepherd scored two more runs in the top of the seventh to draw the final score to 7-4.
Brianna Strickland was given the first loss of the season in her four innings of relief. She gave up three runs on two hits, while striking out two.
Game Two
After being down 1-0 since the first inning, Simmons singled to third base on a bunt, advanced to second on an error, and wound up at third base after the throw. On the play, Bachmann scored an unearned run. Williamson, as the next batter, sacrifice flied to right field, allowing Simmons to come home. This gave the Cobras a momentarily lead, 2-1.
The Tornado proceeded to hit two home runs over the next three innings, a solo and three-run shot, to make the final score 5-2.
Christine Carver picked up her first loss, allowing five earned runs, one walk, and eight hits, with seven strikeouts.
The Navy and Gold will go on a month-long road trip, starting with Erskine on Feb 28 at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.
McDonald's Player of the Game- Kelsi Bachmann