FAIRMONT, W.Va. — Fairmont State (35-11, 23-5 MEC) split their doubleheader against Charleston (40-14, 22-6 MEC) at Duvall-Rosier Field on Friday, falling in the first game 3-1 and winning the second game 3-1.
Game 1: Charleston 3, Fairmont State 1
In the first game, Charleston took control in the third inning with a string of hits. Emma Smith led off with a single and eventually scored on Ella Zucchero's double. Taylor Hodson further extended the lead with a double to left center, driving in two more runs.
Fairmont State responded in their half of the third when
Bella Hess walked and later scored on an error by the pitcher, bringing the score to 3–1.
However, neither team scored in the remaining innings, and the Falcons were unable to close the gap. The final score was Charleston 3, Falcons 1.
Micah Wilson started on the mound for Fairmont State, pitching 2 1/3 innings while allowing six hits and three earned runs.
Phoebe Rusnak entered in relief, pitching 4 2/3 innings and allowing only two hits while walking two batters and striking out one.
Bella Hess showcased her plate discipline by drawing two walks and added a stolen base in the game.
Sydney Emanuel also recorded a hit and reached base after being hit by a pitch.
Game 2: Fairmont State 3, Charleston 1
In the second game, Fairmont State opened the scoring in the first inning with a solo home run by
Emma Paul to center field, giving the Falcons an early 1-0 lead.
The Golden Eagles responded in the second inning when Emma Smith scored on Maya Hataway's single, tying the game at 1-1.
The Falcons regained the lead in the fourth inning with a solo home run by
Breonna Marietta to right center, making it 2-1.
Fairmont State extended their lead in the fifth inning when
Bella Hess singled and later scored on Paul's double to left center, resulting in a 3-1 advantage.
Neither team scored in the final two innings, and the Falcons maintained their lead to close out the game with a final score of 3-1.
Delaney Haller pitched a complete game for the Falcons, allowing one earned run over 7 innings, recording five strikeouts and issuing three walks while surrendering eight hits. Haller threw 137 pitches, with 76 going for strikes, securing her 13th win of the season with a 13-3 record.
Emma Paul recorded two hits, including a home run, and collected two RBIs, while
Breonna Marietta added a home run and one RBI to the scoring.
Fairmont State captured its fourth-straight MEC North Division title. The Falcons will open the MEC Tournament on Wednesday, May 6 from the James I. Moyer Sports Complex in Salem, Virginia.
