UM SOFTBALL FIELD, MOBILE, Ala. - The University of Mobile Softball team returned to action on Thursday afternoon, Mar. 16, hosting Brewton-Parker College for a conference doubleheader at the UM Softball Field. Thursday's doubleheader featuring No. 1 Mobile and the Barons of Brewton-Parker was originally scheduled for Friday afternoon, Mar. 17, but inclement weather forced the two games to be moved up and be played on Thursday.
In Thursday's action, the Rams managed to 2-0 victory in game one, following that with a 4-0 win over the Barons for the sweep. The two wins improves the overall 2023 record on the season to 19-4 for Mobile, while extending the win streak to six games. Mobile remains unbeaten in conference play with a 6-0 record.
Mobile Blanks the Barons in Two
In game one on Thursday afternoon, Mobile hit the scoreboard first in the bottom of the third inning after both teams recorded two scoreless innings to open the game. The Rams left the bases loaded in the first inning, but managed a run two innings later via a two-out RBI single by Ashlyn Stewart. Later, Stewart provided insurance for the Rams, driving in another run with a two-out single to left field. From there, Stewart proved to be the entire offense for either side as the Rams came away with the 2-0 win.
From the pitcher's circle, Emily Butts finished with a complete game shutout, throwing just 74 pitches in the process. Butts allowed just three hits and recorded four strikeouts while on her way to her ninth win of the season from the rubber. Mobile managed to out-hit the Barons in game one, 9-3.
Offensively, Mobile struggled to hit with runners on as Mobile left nine runners on base throughout the game. Kristen Black reached base all four plate appearances, finishing 3-for-3 with a walk. She added two stolen bases in the win. Ashlyn Stewart finished 2-for-3 in game one, driving in Black on both of her RBI singles.
Later in game two, the Rams managed two early runs in the bottom of the first inning. Brewton-Parker committed two errors in the first, allowing Mobile to eventually score two unearned runs. In the bottom of the third inning, Mobile added two more insurance runs after four-straight batters reached with two outs. Designated player Gracie Vanderford got the scoring started in the third, lining a RBI single to left center field. Vanderford later came around to score on a RBI single from Katie Head as the Rams took a 4-0 lead to the middle innings.
In the middle innings, neither team was able to score another run in the game as Mobile earned the 4-0 victory. Mobile starting pitcher Brinkley Goff shut down the Brewton-Parker bats, allowing just three base runners. Coming off a no-hitter her last time out, Goff tallied 10 strikeouts on Thursday and allowed just three hits. The Rams once again managed to out-hit the Barons in game two, finishing with seven team hits compared to Brewton-Parker's three.
At the plate, Madilyn Sheffield was the only Ram to finish with multiple hits, finishing 2-for-3. Kristen Black continued her strong day in game two, working two walks and laying down a sacrifice bunt. Similar to game one, the Rams struggled to hit with runners on, leaving seven runners on base.
SSAC Softball Series of the Week
With Mobile riding a six-game win streak, the Rams have a tough task next time out as No. 1 Mobile hosts No. 22 Middle Georgia State in the SSAC Softball Series of the Week. The big conference doubleheader is scheduled for Sunday afternoon, Mar. 19 at 1:00 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.
