KINGSPORT, Tenn. – Campbellsville University responded to losing its 2-0 lead by posting a three-run sixth inning to beat the University of Rio Grande, 5-4, and advance to the second round of the Mid-South Conference Softball Tournament at Domtar Park.
The game was shaping up as a pitcher's duel as Campbellsville starter Kelsi Pardue struck out the first eight batters she faced and recorded 11 of her first 12 outs on Ks. Rio's Kimbery Hazlett allowed only one hit through four innings.
Despite having only one hit, Campbellsville took a 2-0 lead into the fifth. The Lady Tigers scored in the bottom of the first after Emma Napier reached on a leadoff walk and stole third after being bunted to second. She scored on a sac fly by Kristin Benton.
Benton walked to start the fourth to start a bases loaded, one out scenario for Campbellsville. Sarah Paragon drove Benton in on a fielder's choice hit back to the pitcher as Rio catcher Kimberly Rollins did not touch home plate for the force out before throwing to first to retire Paragon. Both teams assumed the double play and headed for the dugout, leading to Kennedy Shutter being called out at third for leaving the base and removing her helmet. The mix up helped Rio escape a potential jam and ended the inning.
The RedStorm used the play as momentum in the top of the fifth. With two on and two outs, Katie Fuller singled to center to score Claudia Farney and Kaylee Walk, tying the game, 2-2.
Rio gained the lead, 4-2, in the sixth with a leadoff homer by Kimberly Rollins, followed by a solo shot by Kaitie Stewart. MSC Freshman of the Year Victoria Decker relieved Pardue to retire the side.
Benton answered with a solo homer to start the bottom of the sixth, and the Lady Tigers added two unearned runs as Taylor Borders reached on a dropped ball at first and Adrean Jordan reached on a wild throw to score Borders. Jordan scored the winning run on a sac fly by Paragon.
Decker (17-3) got a pair of ground outs and a pop up for the win.
Campbellsville (38-13) plays Cumberland University (34-18) in the second round of the tournament later Saturday, while Rio Grande (22-18) meets Georgetown College (30-13) in the loser's bracket.
