UM SOFTBALL FIELD, MOBILE, Ala. - The conference portion of the 2023 schedule for the University of Mobile Softball team began on Friday afternoon, Mar. 10 as the Rams hosted Faulkner University for a doubleheader at the UM Softball Field. Mobile, the newly-ranked No. 1 team in the NAIA, relied on a come from behind win in the afternoon's first contest, following that with a no-hit performance in game two to seal the doubleheader sweep. The two wins for the Rams improves the overall season record to 15-4, while starting off conference play 2-0.
Mobile's Comeback Earns Game One Win
In the first game on a rainy Friday afternoon, Mobile quickly trailed Faulkner 3-0 through the first three innings. However, the Rams scored one run in both the third and fifth innings to cut the deficit to just one run going into the sixth. Bidding for an upset win, Faulkner attempted to hold off the Mobile bats, but failed to do so in the bottom half of the sixth, eventually allowing three runs to score with two outs. Mobile's big hit came off the bat of designated player Carleigh Bowden who laced a two-run single to right center field to give the Rams their first lead of the game. For Bowden, the go-ahead hit was her first hit of the 2023 season.
Following the Bowden two-run single, Tempest Hebert added an insurance run in the bottom of the sixth to give Mobile a 5-3 lead. From there, Mobile starting pitcher Emily Butts shut down Faulkner in the seventh to close out the complete-game performance from the pitcher's circle and earn the Rams the game one victory. For Butts, the senior finished with a line of 7.0 IP, 7 H, 2 ER, 5 K. She improves to 8-1 from the rubber this season.
Offensively, Carleigh Bowden finished 1-for-1 at the plate, laying down two successful sacrifice bunts and driving in a pair. Kristen Black also drove in two runs, finishing 2-for-4 from the leadoff spot in the lineup. Tempest Hebert came away with a 2-for-3 game one at the dish, adding an RBI. Mobile managed to outhit Faulkner, 9-7.
No-Hitter Leads Mobile to Conference Sweep
After heavier rain rolled through the Mobile, Ala. area between games, Mobile and Faulkner kicked off game two on a damp field with both teams pushing across one run in the first inning. Faulkner's run came following a walk and an error later in the inning, while Mobile hit the scoreboard following a Caitlin McRee double to right center field after Kristen Black led off the inning with a bunt single.
Tied 1-1 through the first four innings, the Mobile bats caught fire in the bottom of the fifth as the Rams tallied a four-run inning. Mobile batted around in the fifth inning, with Carleigh Bowden driving a deep double on the first pitch to get the Mobile offensive party started. Katie Head eventually lined a single to center field to put Mobile on top, being followed by an error, sacrifice fly and bases-loaded walk. Mobile led 5-1 entering the final two innings.
In the final two innings, Mobile starting pitcher Brinkley Goff was on cruise control, striking out six batters through six innings and not allowing a hit. For good measure, the Rams added an insurance run in bottom of the sixth following Katie Head's RBI groundout and entered the seventh and final inning with a 6-1 lead. Mobile then turned the attention towards Goff in the circle, looking for history.
After Goff worked a first-pitch groundout followed by a pop up, the senior struck out the final batter of the game to preserve the no-hitter in the nightcap of the Friday doubleheader. Goff's no-hitter is Mobile's first this season, with Goff tossing a five inning no-hitter last season against Blue Mountain. Prior to Goff's two no-hitters over the last two years, Mobile's last no-hitter came from Karley Sanders during the 2016 season. On Friday, Goff finished with seven strikeouts and an unearned run against Faulkner.
Rams Grab Two Easy W's on Saturday via Forfeits
Originally set for a four-game weekend at home this weekend, Mobile's Saturday opponent Talladega College was forced to forfeit Saturday's scheduled doubleheader due to lack of players. The two forfeit wins for the Rams improves the overall record to 17-4 and gives Mobile the rest of the weekend off.
Mobile will now return to action next Friday afternoon, Mar. 17 with a conference doubleheader against Brewton-Parker College at 2:00 p.m. CT.
About the University of Mobile
The University of Mobile is a Christ-centered liberal arts and sciences institution with a vision of higher education for a higher purpose, founded to honor God by equipping students for their future professions through rigorous academic preparation and spiritual transformation. Core values are: Christ-Centered, Academically-Focused, Student-Devoted and Distinctively-Driven. The university offers on-campus and online bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees in over 75 academic programs. Founded in 1961, the University of Mobile is affiliated with the Alabama Baptist State Convention and is located 10 miles north of Mobile, Alabama on a campus of over 880 acres.
For information about the University of Mobile, areas of study, admissions and more, visit umobile.edu, connect with UM on social media @univofmobile, or call Enrollment Services at 1.800.WIN.RAMS or 251.442.2222.
