Syracuse Softball Splits Doubleheader on Day 1 of Lowcountry Classic

By: Adam Gotkin | @adam_gotkin
Citrus TV Softball Beat Reporter

CHARLESTON, SC -. After finishing last weekend 1-3 Syracuse Softball came into the Lowcountry Classic with high hopes. However, the Orange didn’t start the day how they would have hoped. Syracuse fell to Robert Morris in game one of its doubleheader, 8-6 to move to 3-5 on the season. The ‘Cuse went down 8-0 in the 3rd inning but clawed its way back, scoring 3 runs in the final inning. Syracuse had a chance to walk it off in the end, with the bases loaded and two outs but Geana Torres struck out swinging after working her way into a full count. Both teams left more than 10 runners on base. Robert Morris had 7 hits; Syracuse had 6 yet the game never really felt close after the Orange went down by so much.

The day wasn’t over then for Syracuse though. The Orange then took on the hosts of the Lowcountry Classic College of Charleston at 7 p.m. It was another bad start to the game for Syracuse. In the first inning, Lindsey Hendrix gave up two singles, then hit a batter and threw a wild pitch to bring home the first run for the Cougars. Hendrix was able to work her way out of the jam, only allowing one run. The Orange needed an instant response and initially had some hope. In the top of the 2nd, Syracuse got a runner into scoring position but the ‘Cuse couldn’t capitalize.

The game could have gotten out of hand in the bottom of the 2nd and the bottom of the 3rd. In both frames, the Cougars loaded the bases but Lindsey Hendrix worked magic to keep it a two-run game at the time.

Syracuse’s time finally came in the top of the 5th inning. The ‘Cuse played some small ball and drove in three runs on two singles, a walk, and a double. Outside of the 5th though, Syracuse’s offense was nonexistent. The Orange went 2-19 with runners on base and 1-13 with RISP.

Lindsey Hendrix kept her magic going for the rest of the game. She was finally relieved in the bottom of the 7th when Kaia Oliver came in after the leadoff runner reached on an error. Oliver was lights out and Syracuse came out on top 3-2.

Tomorrow Syracuse Rutgers at 10 a.m. then Robert Morris 30 minutes after the conclusion of game one. Be sure to follow me on Twitter @adam_gotkin for all updates.

ajgotkin@syr.edu | @adam_gotkin