DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – RBI hits from
Emily Allen and
Samantha Bumgarner pulled Lander within four runs in the seventh inning, but an early deficit proved too much to overcome as the Bearcats fell 7-3 to Embry-Riddle on Wednesday afternoon to close out their spring break trip.
The Eagles broke through in the second inning against
Anna Phifer, scoring three runs on a sacrifice fly, a bases-loaded walk and an RBI groundout to take a 3-0 lead. Another sacrifice fly in the fourth extended the advantage to 4-0.
Lander put two runners on with two outs in the fifth but was unable to capitalize. Embry-Riddle answered with a run in the bottom half of the inning to push the lead to 5-0.
The Bearcats threatened again in the sixth when
Isabella Santos and Bumgarner recorded singles to put two aboard with one out, but consecutive groundouts ended the inning.
Embry-Riddle added another run in the sixth, and an error allowed a runner to reach third base with no outs.
Mattye Geddings responded by retiring the next three batters on a strikeout and two flyouts to keep Lander within striking distance entering the seventh.
Chole Manders was hit by a pitch to open the final frame, and
Emorie Anderson followed with a single. A passed ball moved both runners into scoring position before Florida native
Emily Allen delivered a triple to right-center field to score two runs and cut the deficit to 7-2. Bumgarner added an RBI single with two out to bring Lander within four, but a strikeout ended the comeback attempt.
Lander opens Peach Belt Conference play this weekend in Americus, Georgia, against reigning PBC tournament champion Georgia Southwestern. The three-game series begins Friday at 6 p.m. and concludes Saturday with a doubleheader starting at 1 p.m.
