MOBILE, Alabama – The Bobcats (29-8) lost 3-2 in the series finale to the Jaguars (18-14-1) in another pitching duel between Jessica Mullins and Olivia Lackie.
The Bobcats were able to load the bases in the top of the first inning but failed to cash in any runs with the opportunity. The Jaguars did cash in on their opportunity to score and took the lead in the bottom of the first inning. After striking out the first two batters Mullins faced, it looked like the Bobcats were on the way to a 1-2-3 inning, but Sasha Willems had other intentions. Willems hit a double to give the Jags the first base runner of the day. Stephanie Gonzalez singled to center field and drove in Willems to give the Jags the early lead in the game. Shelby Garrett hit a single and Odalys Cordova popped up to end the inning. The Jags were up 1-0 after one inning.
After four scoreless innings the Bobcats would get on the scoreboard and tie the game in the top of the sixth. After a Hannah Earls groundout, Ciara Trahan hit a double to right field. Sara Vanderford would fly out next and then Anna Jones was walked. JJ Smith would then reach on a fielder’s choice while Trahan scored, and Anna Jones made it safely to second as the tag was a half second too late. Karmyn Bass fouled out to end the inning. The Bobcats held the Jags scoreless in the bottom of the inning and the game was tied 1-1 after six innings of play.
The Bobcats took the lead in the top of the seventh inning, but it would not be enough for the win. Emilee Baker would pinch hit for Kamden Hutton and was walked. Hutton would then come right back in the game to pinch run for Baker. After a Megan Kelnar groundout, Sydney Harvey fouled out but an error on the throwback to second base allowed Hutton to score and gave the Bobcats the lead. Earls would single next and then Trahan grounded out to end the inning. The Bobcats led 2-1 heading into the bottom of the seventh inning.
The Jags would answer back in the bottom half of the inning to secure the win. After Brooklynn Bockhaus struck out swinging, Bailey Welch would hit a double to center field. Marley Sims singled to the right side of the field and drove in Welch to tie the game. Sims was able to advance to second base on the throw. Mackenzie Brasher would then single to right center field to drive in Sims for the game winning run. The Jags defeated the Bobcats 3-2 to win the series finale. The Bobcats won the series 2-1 after picking up wins on Thursday and Friday.
Next up: The Bobcats return home to play one game against the Baylor Bears (19-12) at Bobcat Softball Stadium on Wednesday, April 3rd with the first pitch scheduled for 6pm (CT). The game will be streamed on ESPN+ (Subscription required).
Game Notes
•Jessica Mullins fell to 18-4 on the season and finished with 9 strikeouts, allowed 8 hits and 3 earned runs in 6.1 innings pitched.
•Hannah Earls had 2 hits, Anna Jones had 1 hit and 1 stolen base, Ciara Trahan had 1 hit (double), and JJ Smith had the only RBI of the game for the Bobcats.
•The Bobcats fell to 4-8 when scoring 2 or less runs in their games this season.
Our cover photo for this article is used courtesy of Mandalyn Lewallen and you can follow her on Instagram by clicking here. Thank you, Mandalyn!
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