PIKEVILLE, Ky. -- The University of Pikeville softball team finally got the chance to play at home and took full advantage on Monday, tallying a pair of wins against Ohio Christian and Rio Grande (Ohio) in a tri-match at Paul Butcher Field.
UPIKE topped Ohio Christian 4-1 behind a six-inning, career-high 11-strikeout performance from Sydney Morris (1-1) in the circle. The Bears won the nightcap 6-2 over Rio Grande as Lauren Barnes (1-0) allowed two runs on four hits in 5 2/3 innings.
Third baseman Breana Pineda was the leader at the plate in both wins, finishing with a home run and walk in the opener before wrapping up with a 2-for-4 showing against the RedStorm with three RBIs, a double and run scored.
The Bears (2-2) outhit Ohio Christian 8-5 and posted a 6-4 advantage at the plate against Rio Grande. Centerfielder Brandi Jo Howard played a role in those numbers as well, combining for two hits, a double, three runs, two stolen bases and a walk.
With Morris dealing and the offense coming up with three first-inning runs, UPIKE had little trouble against OCU. The Trailblazers scored their lone run in the second inning to make it 3-1, but Pineda put a stop to their momentum with her leadoff homer in the fourth.
Barnes went nearly six innings before giving up any runs against Rio Grande as the Bears jumped out to a 5-0 lead through four innings. Rio Grande cut the deficit to three in the top of the sixth before Pineda came through again with a clutch two-out, RBI double to help hold off the late rally.
UPIKE is back in action at Berea College on Friday. Game time will be released soon.
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UPIKE 4, Ohio Christian 1
Sydney Morris: W (1-1), 6 IP, 4 H, ER, 11 K, 2 BB
Lauren Barnes: S (1), 1 IP, H, K, BB
Breana Pineda: 1-2, HR, BB
Brandi Jo Howard: 2-3, 2B, R
Hollie Hinkle: 1-1, RBI, BB
Hawley Ill: 1-3, RBI, R, 2 SB
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UPIKE 6, Rio Grande (Ohio) 2
Lauren Barnes: W (1-0), 5.2 IP, 4 H, 2 ER, 8 K, 3 BB
Breana Pineda: 2-4, 3 RBIs, 2B, R
Brandi Jo Howard: 0-2, 2 SB, 2 R, BB
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