EVANSVILLE, IN. – The Kentucky Wesleyan College softball got the last at-bat against Lincoln University on Friday afternoon and it proved to vital on the opening day of the Blue Bridge Battle. The Panthers made their second comeback in the contest to come away with a 14-13 walk-off win. In the afternoon contest, Notre Dame College defeated the Panthers 4-1.
In the opener, the Blue Tigers (4-3) scored five runs in the top of the first inning. The Panthers (4-4) responded with three runs in the bottom half of the inning.
Kristyn Murphy ended the three-run frame with an RBI double. Lincoln added another run in the top of the second to go in front 6-3.
The Panthers tied the game in the bottom of the second with three more runs. After Wesleyan stole a run,
Megan Matheis added another run with an RBI single while
Allie Dunn followed with an RBI double that tied the game. The Blue Tigers would not go quietly. After a scoreless third, they added three runs in the top of the fourth.
The momentum shifted in the bottom of the fourth when the Panthers scored six runs to take the lead. Both Megan and
Kennedy Matheis drove in two runs with doubles. Wesleyan would carry a 12-9 lead to the seventh where a flurry of defensive miscues allowed Lincoln to tie and eventually take a 13-12 lead.
Shelby Patterson started the frame with a line-out, but
Chloe Apple reached on error. After a fly-out the Panthers were down to their last out.
Megan Matheis tied the game with a triple to right, scoring Apple all the way from first. One pitch later, Dunn ended the game with a single into right.
Megan Matheis was four for four with a double, triple, four runs scored, and four RBIs.
Immi Mann is credited with the win.
Notre Dame got the best of the Panthers in the second game of the day. The Falcons scored a single run in the first, fourth, fifth, and sixth innings to take a 4-0 lead. The Panthers scored their lone run in the top of the seventh on a
Guinny Garr groundout.
Kristyn Murphy pitched a solid game, going five complete innings allowing three runs, one earn on five hits with two strikeouts.
The Panthers will continue their voyage at the Blue Bridge Battle on Sunday. With two more games. The Panthers will reunite with GLVC foes Missouri S&T and Missouri- St. Louis. First pitch at Deaconess Sports Park is scheduled for 10AM.
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