UM SOFTBALL FIELD, MOBILE, Ala. - Following a 4-0 showing in the Gulf Coast Invitational Softball Tournament this past weekend, the University of Mobile Softball team returned to action on Tuesday, Mar. 7 with a non-conference doubleheader at home against the University of the Cumberlands (Ky.). Mobile and the Cumberlands both started the 2023 season ranked in the NAIA Softball Top 25 Preseason Poll, with the Rams being ranked No. 2 and the Patriots ranked No. 24. On Tuesday, it was the Cumberlands who came out on top over Mobile, winning both games played and earning an impressive road sweep over the second-ranked team in the country.
In three games played at home this season, the Rams are winless, dropping the overall 2023 record to 13-4 following the pair of losses to the Cumberlands. Tuesday's doubleheader kicked off a streak of 12-straight home games for Mobile ahead of conference play, with four games coming this upcoming weekend at the UM Softball Field.
Rams Swept at Home for First Time in Two Seasons
Home losses for the University of Mobile Softball program have become a rarity over the last several seasons, with Mobile dropping just one home game last year. However, the Rams have started the home portion of the 2023 schedule with an 0-3 record, falling in the home opener to crosstown rival Spring Hill College last Wednesday, Mar. 1. On Tuesday afternoon, Mobile suffered a sweep on their home field for the first time since Apr. 6. of the 2021 season, losing to the Cumberlands 5-2 in game one and 6-3 in game two.
Across both games, the Cumberlands relied on big fifth innings to defeat the Rams. In game one, the Cumberlands were hitless through the first four innings against Mobile starting pitcher Emily Butts, but managed four runs off six hits in the top of the fifth to take the lead late. Later in the bottom of the seventh and final inning, Mobile saw five-straight Rams reach base, with two coming in to score, but left the bases full to end the game and fall, 5-2.
In the second game of the doubleheader, the Cumberlands once again tallied four runs in the top of the fifth to take the lead. The Rams led 2-1 through the first four innings, adding a run in the bottom of the sixth inning off a Caitlin McRee home run (2). However, the Cumberlands answered with an insurance run in the top of the seventh and eventually shut Mobile's bats down to claim victory, 6-3.
Across the both games on Tuesday, Mobile was outhit by the Patriots 17-15, with the Rams leaving nine runners on base alone in the first game. In game two, Mobile left a total of five runners on. Individually, Kristen Black finished the doubleheader with a team-high four hits in eight at-bats, being followed by Caitlin McRee who tallied a 3-for-7 line at the plate across both games. McRee added a walk in game two and scored all three runs.
Ashlyn Stewart, Emily Butts and Madi Robertson all notched a pair of hits each on Tuesday, with Stewart leading Mobile with two RBIs in the second game. From the pitcher's circle, Emily Butts was charged with the loss in the first game, pitching 5 1/3 innings of work and allowing nine hits and five runs. In the second game, Brinkley Goff was charged with six runs off eight hits in the losing complete game effort.
SSAC Softball Returns
After playing 17 non-conference games to open the 2023 campaign, the Rams will play their first conference games of the season this upcoming Friday, Mar. 10, hosting Faulkner University for a 2:00 p.m. CT doubleheader at home. The following day, Mobile is set to host Talladega College at 12:00 p.m. CT for a conference doubleheader.
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.
