What happened for syracuse Softballs 2-3 record at the Best of the Bayou Classic
Nathaniel Cunningham | @N_cunning_0
The Orange had a 6-3 record after its first two tournaments and had the opportunity for one final tune-up before ACC play. However, this past weekend provided a challenge for SU. Syracuse went 2-0 on Day one outsourcing its opponents 16-1. But in the final 2 days, the Orange dropped all three games and gave up 18 runs.
Bested in the Bayou
To start day two, Syracuse faced off against Northwestern State and did something it hasn’t done much of all season; Score early runs. The orange put up three runs in the first and second innings to take a commanding 6-0 lead. However, the Demons outfielder Taylor Williams smacked a 2 run homer to open their scoring. 2 batters later and 3rd baseman Tristin Court launched a solo shot. One pitch later and Catcher Ashlyn Walker added a third for NSU.
The Demons were still down 2 but their offense had come alive. In the 5th they added one more and in the 6th another 4 for put the nail in the coffin for an 11-8 loss for SU
The Orange then had a couple of hours to recoup before they took on the University of Louisiana at Monroe. While most would reset, Syracuse cooled down and would never heat up. Warhawks starting pitcher, Maddie Nichols gave up 6 hits and walked 3 but every time a batter reached safely, she got better. The sophomore went scoreless until a 2 out single in the 7th that gave SU its sole run.
Even with a tough day 2, SU still had the opportunity to walk away with a positive record on day three against Sam Houston. The Orange offense was once again held at the wayside except for utility Taylor posner. After being down 3-0 in the bottom of the third, Posner launched a solo shot to left center field. Then in the 6th she hit another to right field and cut the Orange deficit to one.
In the Bottom of the 7th, Su had the bases loaded with just 1 out and the top of the lineup up to bat. But Bearkats reliever Daryn Grames struck out Madelyn Lopez and forced a flyout from Angel Jasso to end SU’s comeback attempt.
The Positives
While a losing record is never a positive, Syracuse had a positive first 2 games. Both started slow with no scoring in the first 2 innings. However, in the third Taylor Posner opened them up. Against Evansville, the junior launched a three-run homer to center field for her second of the season. The scoring just opened everything up for the Orange. SU tallied another 4 in the fourth and 3 more in the 5th to beat Evansville 10-0 in 5 innings.
Against the University of Louisiana at Monroe it was a similar story. In the third, Posner doubled down the right field line, scoring for the Orange. Then the junior smashed another home run to left center and secured her 4th RBI of the game. One more run in the 5th and a run in the sixth secured a 6-1 victory for SU.
Overall through the weekend, Taylor Posner went 7-16 at the plate with 4 home runs and 9 RBIs. Partner that with outfielder Angel Jasso who is hitting .489 on the season while leading the team in extra base hits.
What’s Next?
While Syracuse was looking for a final tune-up, it now has some work to do because on Friday SU opens ACC play against Duke in Durham. The Blue Devils are 13-1 on the year and have yet to lose to the Orange in North Carolina. It’s a three-game series between Syracuse and Duke. Game one is at 6 pm
