DURHAM, N.C. - Late runs hindered the Charleston Southern softball teams in both games on Wednesday, as they were swept by No. 14 Duke on Wednesday in two games.
They fell 9-1 in five innings in game one, and were held hitless in game two and lost by an 8-0 score in a game that lasted only six innings.
Game 1
The Blue Devils quickly jumped out to a 3-0 lead in game one with a single and a stolen base. A throwing error allowed for two runs to score, and an RBI single with two outs made it 3-0.
The Bucs (4-4) got on the board in the top of the third inning, as
Ashley Meckley led off the inning with a walk. Two batters later,
Raleigh Lewis brought her in with an RBI single.
The Blue Devils quickly answered in the bottom half of the inning with a bunt single to start the inning, and a steal of home made it 4-1. Then, the Blue Devils broke it open in the bottom of the fourth, scoring five runs on three hits and sending eight to the plate.
Back-to-back, followed by back-to-back walks made it 5-1, and a three-run home run made it 9-1.
Riley Lauffer suffered her third loss of the season, making her record 1-3. She gave up 9 runs (8 earned) o 8 hits and walked 4 in 4.0 innings.
Game 2
In the second game, the Blue Devils once again made magic late, scoring in the final four innings. Reigning Big South Pitcher of the Week,
Annah Junge got the start for the Bucs and suffered her first defeat of the season. She gave up 8 runs on 8 hits in 5.2 innings pitched.
The Blue Devils pitching staff only allowed three base runners the entire game on three walks. They scored one in the first inning on a sacrifice fly to make it 1-0, and scored once again in the fourth inning.
Ahead 5-0, Duke broke it open and ultimately ended the game in the bottom of the sixth inning with a three-run home run to make it 8-0.
Next Up
The Bucs return home this weekend, as the Towson Tigers come calling. They will start with a doubleheader on Saturday beginning at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. and will finish the series with a 1 p.m battle on Sunday.
