BRIDGEPORT, W.Va. — Fairmont State University (15-6) secured a decisive 9–1 victory over Salem University (10-13) in the first game of a doubleheader on Sunday at The Bridge. The Falcons continued their strong performance with a 5-1 victory in the second game.
Game 1: Fairmont State 9, Salem 1
In the first game, Fairmont State showcased a powerful offensive display right from the start.
Emma Paul walked, and
Breonna Marietta singled to set the stage for
Jaylin McGill's double that drove in two runs. A subsequent single by
Paige Matteson added two more runs, giving the Falcons a commanding 4–0 lead by the end of the first inning. S
alem University managed to score one unearned run in the second inning, narrowing the gap to 4–1.
The Falcons extended their lead in the fifth inning, ignited by
Bella Hess's single and stolen base.
Emma Paul bunted for a single, bringing Hess home, followed by Marietta hitting a two-run homer which pushed the score to 7–1.
The seventh inning saw two more runs added to the Falcons' tally, with
Addison Nogay tripling and scoring on an error, while
Liz Alsop crossed the plate on a wild pitch, securing the final score of 9–1.
Delaney Haller led the Falcons on the mound, pitching 5 2/3 innings with only three hits allowed and striking out seven.
Phoebe Rusnak provided solid relief, pitching 1 1/3 innings, yielding just one hit and striking out one.
Breonna Marietta had an outstanding performance with three hits, including a home run, driving in two runs and scoring twice.
Emma Paul also contributed significantly, scoring two runs and driving in one, while
Jaylin McGill added a critical double that brought in two runs.
Game 2: Fairmont State 5, Salem 1
In the second game, the Tigers took an early lead in the second inning when Addison King scored on a sacrifice fly by Alexis Valverde, making it 1-0 in favor of Salem University.
However, the Falcons responded in the sixth inning, where their offense surged.
Avery Townsend and
Emma Paul reached base, and
Breonna Marietta's double drove them in, putting Fairmont State ahead.
Jaylin McGill followed with a double that scored Marietta, and
Allyson Nordling grounded out, bringing in another run and extending the lead to 4-1.
The Falcons sealed the win in the seventh inning when
Emma Paul doubled and scored on
Breonna Marietta's triple, pushing the score to 5-1.
Micah Wilson pitched effectively for Fairmont State, going 5 1/3 innings with four hits and one earned run allowed while striking out three.
Phoebe Rusnak contributed 1 2/3 innings in relief, surrendering no hits or runs but issuing three walks, and striking out two batters to secure the save.
Breonna Marietta repeated her impressive performance with three hits, including a double and a triple, driving in three runs.
Emma Paul scored twice, collected a double, and reached base with a walk.
Jaylin McGill also contributed with three hits, including a double, and drove in one run, while
Avery Townsend added a hit and a run scored.
Fairmont State continues its conference schedule on Monday, March 30 at Point Park University. Game one from Fairhaven Park in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania is set for 1:00 p.m.
