SALEM, Va. — Fairmont State (37-12) fell to the University of Charleston (45-14) with a final score of 9-4 on Friday at the Moyer Sports Complex. The Falcons tallied four runs in the fourth inning, but the Golden Eagles' consistent scoring proved decisive.
Fairmont State faced Charleston, with Charleston taking an early lead in the first inning. Charleston doubled to left field, driving in the game's first run. The score at the end of the first inning was Charleston 1, Fairmont State 0.
Charleston extended its lead in the third inning with three runs. A walk with the bases loaded followed by a fielder's choice and an error helped extend the Charleston lead. Charleston led 4-0 at the end of the third inning.
Fairmont State rallied in the fourth inning, scoring four runs to tie the game.
Jaylin McGill scored on a bases-loaded walk by
Paige Matteson. Abbie Keilhoz singled to drive in two more runs, and
Bella Hess singled to bring in the fourth run. The inning concluded with a 4-4 tie.
Charleston regained control in the bottom of the fourth with three runs. An RBI single followed by a two-RBI double gave Charleston the 7-4 lead.
Charleston added two more runs in the sixth inning with a double to left center and a single. the Golden Eagles maintained its lead with a score of 9-4 at the end of the sixth inning.
The final score was Charleston 9, Fairmont State 4.
Delaney Haller started for Fairmont State and pitched 2 2/3 innings, allowing three earned runs on three hits, while issuing four walks and striking out two batters.
Micah Wilson entered in relief and pitched one inning, giving up three earned runs on three hits with one walk.
Phoebe Rusnak closed out the game, throwing 2 1/3 innings, surrendering two earned runs on three hits and recording one strikeout without issuing any walks.
Bella Hess contributed with three hits as Abbie Keilhoz added two RBIs.
Emma Paul recorded a hit and
Breonna Marietta finished with two hits.
Fairmont State will now face Glenville State University in an elimination game in the MEC Tournament. The two teams will play on Friday, May 8 at 2:45 p.m.
