BLUEFIELD, Va. – The Bluefield University softball team dropped both games of an Appalachian Athletic Conference doubleheader against Reinhardt on Thursday afternoon at Graham Recreation Park.
Game One – Reinhardt 12, Bluefield 2 (Five Innings)
Reinhardt jumped out to an early lead with five runs in the top of the first inning and added three more in the second to take control of the opener. The Eagles finished with 10 hits and capitalized on several Bluefield miscues to extend their advantage throughout the game.
BU's offense was highlighted by Chloe Dillow, who accounted for both Ram runs. The sophomore catcher went 2-for-2 at the plate with a home run and a double, driving in both runs for BU. Karter Fortune also recorded a hit in the contest.
Dillow put the Rams on the board with a solo homer in the bottom of the first inning and later added an RBI double in the fifth to plate Bluefield's second run.
In the circle, Isabella Smith took the loss after starting the game, while Katie Barrett provided relief work over the final four innings.
Game Two – Reinhardt 4, Bluefield 2 (Nine Innings)
The second game of the doubleheader proved to be a tightly contested battle that extended into extra innings.
Bluefield broke through in the fifth inning when Dillow again delivered at the plate, launching a solo home run to give the Rams a 1-0 lead. Reinhardt answered with a run in the seventh to tie the game before taking a 2-1 lead in the eighth.
The Rams responded in the bottom half of the eighth when Karter Fortune reached base and eventually scored on a Reinhardt error to even the game at 2-2.
Reinhardt regained the advantage in the ninth with two runs and held off BU in the bottom half to secure the sweep.
Dillow paced the Rams offensively once again, finishing 2-for-5 with a home run, double, and RBI. Fortune also scored a run and added a hit, while Kenidy Harris recorded a base hit in the contest.
In the circle, Isabella Smith delivered a strong start for Bluefield, tossing six scoreless innings and striking out five before the Eagles broke through later in the game.
The Rams return to action Tuesday when they travel to Brenau for an AAC doubleheader beginning at 3 p.m.
