PULASKI, Tenn. – The Martin Methodist Softball team swept a pair of games versus Cumberland (Tenn.) in the two team's annual "Be Awesome" ballgames Tuesday afternoon at Royce Hughes Field.
In the opener, the Martin Methodist bats came alive en route a 9-1, five-inning victory. The RedHawks (17-6) utilized a smallball approach in their 3-0 nightcap victory.
The wins improved the RedHawks to 8-4 at Royce Hughes Field this season, ahead of a big SSAC weekend showdown versus No. 17 William Carey (Miss.).
Friday's doubleheader is tentatively scheduled for 3 p.m. with Saturday's final two ballgames are scheduled for a 1 p.m. first pitch.
GAME ONE:
Martin Methodist 9, Cumberland 1 (5 Innings):
Tuesday's opener saw the RedHawks crank out three runs in the bottom of the first, second and fifth innings as they cruised to an eight-run victory.
The RedHawks stroked 12 hits in the ballgame and also capitalized on four Cumberland errors for the run-rule win.
Taylor Ferguson and Shelby Clifton were the offensive standouts for the RedHawks in the win. Ferguson finished the ballgame 3-for-4 at the plate with three singles and an RBI while Clifton finished 2-for-3 and drove in three RBI.
Hannah Hayes also drove in a run as part of a 2-for-3, three run performance at the plate.
Kaylee Davis scattered six hits across five innings of work and allowed just one run to pick up her ninth victory (9-8) of the season.
GAME TWO:
Martin Methodist 3, Cumberland 0:
If Tuesday's opener saw the RedHawks break out the offensive firepower, the nightcap saw the RedHawks utilize sharp defensive play as they grinded out a 3-0 victory to complete the sweep.
RedHawk starter Victoria Haugness allowed just six hits in seven innings for a complete-game shutout, just her second scoreless outing of the season (6-6) and her first-ever complete-game shutout.
The RedHawks sprung for runs early in the ballgame as they notched a tally in the second inning and added two more in the bottom of the third. The three runs ultimately held up to give the RedHawks the three-run win.
Taylor Ferguson doubled to lead off the second and came around to score on an RBI single to shallow right-center from Hannah Ward.
Taylor Mitchell led off the third with a walk and scored on Sabrina Gilliam's ensuing triple down the left-field line. Breanna Owens drove Gilliam home on an RBI single to right that pushed the lead to 3-0.
The Phoenix never truly threatened in the contest until their final three outs.
After a leadoff popout, the Phoenix struck for a double to left-center field. A hit by pitch and ensuing infield single loaded up the bases with just one out.
Haugness dug deep and won a 12-pitch at-bat to strikeout Cumberland leadoff hitter Tyra Graham and then forced a pop-out on the ensuing at-bat to end the ballgame.
