Box Score
PEMBROKE – Six runs in the first three innings, including a three-run home run from senior
Abbey Walters, vaulted the UNC Pembroke softball squad to a 6-1 win over Shippensburg Sunday afternoon in the final game of the UNCP Invitational at LRA Field.
The Braves' (3-2) victory avenges a Friday loss to the Raiders (4-1) and gives the Black & Gold three wins in its first five games for the first time since the 2014 campaign. Shippensburg had outscored its four previous opponents 32-5 prior to Sunday's setback.
Seven of UNCP's nine starters recorded at least one hit and junior
Jamie Johnson put together a 2-for-4 day with a double and two runs scored. Freshman
Alex Watkins went 1-for-3 with an RBI two bagger.
Johnson led off game with a single, stole second and came around to score UNCP's first tally on a Walters' RBI groundout. Junior
Taylor Gerhart followed with an RBI single to right to plate
Ashleigh Mason, who reached on an error earlier in the inning.
The top of the order did damage again in the third, jump started by a Johnson double and a Mason single. Walters then deposited a 1-2 pitch over the left-field fence for her second long ball of the season and Peach Belt Conference (PBC) leading fifth, sixth and seventh runs batted in. The sixth and final Black & Gold run scored when
Alex Watkins ripped a one-out double to right center later in the third frame.
In the circle, Walters (3-0) made her third start of the season and went the distance for the second time on just 81 pitches. The Bladenboro native surrendered just one run on six hits to lower her season ERA to 0.78, good for fifth best in the PBC. She struck out four Raiders and didn't allow a free pass.
At the conclusion of the tournament, the coaches of all five teams voted on all-tournament team and UNCP's Walters and Watkins were selected to the squad. Walters hit .313 with a pair of home runs, seven RBI, and three stolen bases, while Watkins hit .417 with three doubles and two runs batted in. Walters pitched 18 total inning in three starts, allowing just two runs, while striking out 11 batters.
The Braves will enjoy three days off before a Thursday trip to Charlotte for a twinbill with Queens. First pitch is set for 2 p.m. at Park Road Park. The Royals (0-2) have been outscored 15-3 in a pair of losses this season.
