Softball Sweeps Albany in Midweek Doubleheader

Wednesday, April 18

West Point, NY

2:30 PM

Army West Point

19-21

Albany

19-11

Albany

Army

Softball Sweeps Albany in Midweek Doubleheader

April 18, 2018 | Softball

Box Score 1 Box Score 2

WEST POINT, N.Y. – The Army West Point softball team trailed in a pair of games to Albany, but rallied back in both to secure two wins on Wednesday afternoon at the Army West Point Softball Complex.

The Black Knights (20-21) combined for 17 hits in the twinbill against the Great Danes (19-12).

Amelia Trotter continued to produce in the leadoff spot, batting 3-for-8 with a home run and two RBIs. Taylor Drayton was the team's primary run producer, driving in five of the Black Knights' nine runs on the day. She also belted a home run and went 4-for-6 at the dish.

In the circle, Macey Newbary got the game one start and went a solid six innings, allowing just three runs on five hits. Newbary received a no decision though as the game was tied when she exited. Courtney Springman got the win in one perfect inning of relief.

Springman picked up her second win of the day after allowing just two runs in a complete-game effort in the second game.

GAME 1: ARMY 4, ALBANY 3

ARMY HIGHLIGHTS AND GAME NOTES

Army won its fifth straight game.
The Black Knights tallied a home run for the third consecutive game.
Trotter homered for the second consecutive outing and fifth time this season.
It was her 10th multi-hit performance this year.
She pushed her hitting streak to five games.
Springman recorded her 12th collegiate win.
Lacey Swafford picked up a hit in her fourth straight outing.
Emily Ballesteros extended her hitting streak to six games.
Carrie Reilly's hitting streak was extended to nine games.
Eight different Cadets notched a base hit in the game.
Taylor Livingston notched her 25th career hit and crossed home for the 15th time.

HOW IT HAPPENED

After Albany jumped out to an early 2-0 lead with a pair of runs in the opening frame, Army came up to hit in the home half of the first and got one back. Trotter was leading off and she took a 1-2 pitch over the fence in center for a solo shot.
In the second, the Black Knights evened the score with two outs. Livingston drew a base on balls and despite Trotter striking out, a wild pitch permitted her to reach safely. Swafford then drove in the game-tying run with an RBI single to left.
Newbary was in complete control and after recording the final out of the first inning, retired 11 straight before giving up a single in the fifth. However, she worked around the hit to record her fourth consecutive scoreless frame.
The Great Danes got to Newbary in the sixth though and plated a run off of two hits to retake the lead, 3-2. Once again Army was quick to counter. Gates got things started with a single up the middle and Julia Wyatt came in to pinch run. Following back-to-back ground outs, Wyatt found herself on third. In a hitter's count, Trotter was in the batter's box and ripped an RBI single to center to even the score up at 3-3.
Albany got a runner on first in the seventh after a Black Knight fielding error, but no damage was done.
It was then Army's turn to hit and Ballesteros shot a ball through the left side on a full count to lead off the inning. After the first out was recorded, McPeek singled to put runners on the corners for Drayton. The freshman took the second pitch she saw and shot it over the head of the right fielder to capture a 4-3 walk-off win for Army.

GAME 2: ARMY 5, ALBANY 4

ARMY HIGHLIGHTS AND GAME NOTES

Army won its sixth straight game.
The Black Knights tallied a home run for the fourth consecutive game.
Drayton notched her second career home run and second three-hit outing in her career.
Trotter extended her hitting streak to six games.
Springman recorded her 13th collegiate win and 16th complete game.
It was the 18th straight start in which she allowed three or fewer earned runs.
With 128 strikeouts on the season, she moved past Shauna Evans '02 for seventh in single season strikeouts.
Swafford picked up a hit in her fifth straight contest.
Ballesteros extended her hitting streak to seven games.
She recorded her 40th hit and 10th multi-hit outing this season

HOW IT HAPPENED

Once again it was the Great Danes getting ahead early and this time, Albany led 3-0 after two turns up at the plate.
In the home half of the second, Drayton took the seventh pitch she saw in her at-bat and blasted a no-doubter over the fence in left to trim the deficit to two, 3-1.
It remained a two-run game until the third. After the leadoff batter for Army was retired, the Black Knights notched three straight singles to load the bases. McPeek then sent a booming shot to deep center, but the Albany center fielder stuck her glove over the fence and robbed the senior of a grand slam.
Despite the out being recorded, a run crossed on the play as the runner from third tagged, while the other two baserunners advanced on the throw home. With two outs and two in scoring position, Drayton lifted a ball into right center for a two-RBI base knock to put Army on top, 4-3.
In the fifth, Ballesteros drew a walk to lead off the inning and Wyatt entered the game to pinch run. Wyatt worked her way over to third after a series of plays and with two outs, Drayton once again delivered with an RBI hit to tack on an insurance run.
With nothing happening from either side in the sixth, Albany had to put up runs in the seventh in order to keep the game going. The Great Danes did plate a run in the frame, but Springman was able to limit any further damage and capped the game with a punch out.

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