WHEELING, W.Va. — Fairmont State (32-10, 20-4) swept Wheeling University (10-38, 5-21) in a doubleheader, winning the first game 9-4 and the second game 7-1 on Sunday at J.B. Chambers I-470.
Game 1: Fairmont State 9, Wheeling 4
In the first game, Fairmont State faced an early challenge as Wheeling University took a 3-0 lead in the first inning. Mackenzie Burns doubled, driving in two runs, while another run scored on a groundout, giving Wheeling University their early advantage.
However, Fairmont State surged ahead in the fourth inning by scoring six runs.
Carly Crowder, pinch-running for
Breonna Marietta, scored on
Sydney Emanuel's double. A series of fielding errors allowed additional runs, and
Avery Townsend's RBI single further extended the lead.
Emma Paul capped the inning with a two-run double, bringing the score to 6-3 in favor of the Falcons.
The Falcons added a run in the fifth inning when
Jaylin McGill scored on an RBI single by Abbie Keilhoz, increasing the lead to 7-3.
In the seventh inning, McGill doubled and later scored on a single by
Courtney Boggs. Keilhoz then singled to bring in another run, making the score 9-3.
The Cardinals managed to add one more run in the bottom of the seventh, but the Falcons secured a decisive 9-4 victory.
Caitlin Morey started on the mound for the Falcons, pitching 1 1/3 innings and allowing four earned runs on one hit while walking five.
Micah Wilson took over in relief, delivering a strong performance by pitching 5 2/3 innings and securing the win with three strikeouts.
Emma Paul drove in two runs and hit a double, while
Jaylin McGill scored twice and recorded two hits, including a double.
Avery Townsend added two hits, scored once, and stole a base.
Game 2: Fairmont State 7, Wheeling 1
In the second game, the Falcons continued their momentum. In the second inning,
Jaylin McGill singled and advanced on a wild pitch before
Alexa Foresha doubled to bring McGill home.
Paige Matteson followed with a double, scoring Foresha.
Bella Hess added an RBI single, putting the Falcons ahead 3-1 at the end of the second inning.
In the sixth inning,
Avery Townsend reached on a fielder's choice and stole second.
Breonna Marietta then singled to center field, driving in Townsend and extending the lead to 4-1.
The seventh inning saw the Falcons widen the gap; after
Gabi Ramm singled and
Courtney Boggs walked,
Allyson Nordling delivered a three-run homer to center field, sealing the game with a decisive 7-1 scoreline.
Delaney Haller delivered a complete game performance, pitching all 7 innings for the Falcons against the Cardinals. Haller allowed just two hits and one earned run, while striking out three batters and issuing no walks.
Bella Hess recorded three hits and drove in one run, while
Avery Townsend contributed with two stolen bases, and
Allyson Nordling hit a home run and collected three RBIs.
Fairmont State returns home on Thursday, April 30 to face West Virginia State University. Game one is set to start at 12:30 p.m.
