FAIRMONT, W.Va. — Fairmont State (23-7) swept Salem (13-21) in a Saturday doubleheader at Duvall-Rosier Field, securing victories of 21-3 and 5-1.
Game 1: Fairmont State 21, Salem 3 (5 Inn.)
In game 1,
Bella Hess initiated the scoring by walking in the bottom of the first inning and later crossing the plate on a throwing error.
Breonna Marietta's two-run homer to right center further extended the lead, ending the inning with Fairmont State up 3-0.
The second inning saw Abbie Keilhoz hit a two-run homer to center field, bringing
Paige Matteson home and increasing the Falcons' advantage to 5-0. However, the Tigers responded in the third inning, scoring three runs, including a two-run homer by Ali Shrieve. The Falcons countered with three runs of their own, highlighted by a two-RBI double from Keilhoz, bringing the score to 8-3 in favor of Fairmont State.
The fourth inning was a showcase for the Falcons, who exploded for 13 runs. Marietta hit her second homer of the game, a three-run shot, while
Sophia Frye added a two-RBI double. The inning concluded with Fairmont State leading 21-3. The Tigers were unable to score in the fifth, sealing the win for the Falcons.
Caitlin Morey pitched 4 innings, allowing 3 earned runs on 5 hits with 2 strikeouts and 1 walk, while
Olivia Hylton relieved, pitching 1 inning without allowing a baserunner.
Breonna Marietta had an outstanding performance, hitting two home runs and driving in five runs. Abbie Keilhoz contributed significantly with a home run, a double, and five RBIs, while
Bella Hess scored two runs and collected three hits.
Game 2: Fairmont State 5, Salem 1
In game 2,
Bella Hess started the first inning by walking, stealing second, and advancing to third on
Avery Townsend's sacrifice bunt.
Emma Paul then doubled to right center, driving in Hess for the first run and concluding the inning with the Falcons leading 1-0.
The second inning saw
Alexa Foresha walk, be replaced on base by a fielder's choice, and
Sydney Emanuel reach second on
Paige Matteson's fly out. Abbie Keilhoz contributed with a single to second base, allowing Emanuel to score, bringing the score to 2-0 after two innings.
The game remained scoreless until the sixth inning when the Falcons extended their lead. Paul doubled to center field and was driven in by
Breonna Marietta's double.
Gabby Bibb, pinch running for Marietta, scored on
Jaylin McGill's single, with McGill later scoring on a fielding error, making it 5-0 at the end of the sixth.
The Tigers managed to score one run in the seventh inning when Ali Shrieve doubled and was driven in by Abigail Hark's single. However, the Falcons' defense held strong, securing a final score of 5-1.
Delaney Haller pitched 6 innings without allowing a run, striking out 9 batters and conceding only 3 hits.
Micah Wilson pitched the final inning, allowing 1 run on 2 hits, with 15 of her 21 pitches being strikes.
Emma Paul led the Falcons with two doubles, contributing one run and one RBI.
Gabi Ramm made an impact with two stolen bases, while Abbie Keilhoz added to the offense with a hit and an RBI, also drawing two walks.
Fairmont State will host Point Park Univeristy on Sunday, April 12 at Duvall-Rosier Field. First pitch is set for 1:00 p.m.
