NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Jacksonville University's softball team experienced a bit of a cold spell offensively Friday, collecting just one run on five hits in a doubleheader at Lipscomb University.
Lipscomb 3, Jacksonville 1
Danielle Baker got the Dolphins off to a quick start with a homer on the very first pitch of the game, giving Jacksonville a 1-0 lead. But the next three Dolphins ground out, struck out, and ground out to end the inning. In the bottom of the first Lipscomb got the first batter on with a bunt, got a second on after a hit-by-pitch, and then scored both runners on a three RBI homer by Baker's sister Abby Fenichel. After one inning Jacksonville trailed Lipscomb 1-3.
Brown allowed just one hit the rest of the game, collecting four strikeouts along the way. But the Bisons pitcher was just as dominant, shutting out Jacksonville the rest of the game despite the Dolphins collecting three more hits. Twice JU got the tying run on second, but both times Lipscomb escaped without the runner crossing the plate. The final score: Jacksonville 1, Lipscomb 3.
Lipscomb 3, Jacksonville 0
Both teams went three-up and three-down in the first inning, leaving the game scoreless after one. Jacksonville got Brown on base after a Bison error in the top of the second, but stranded her with three consecutive outs. A Dolphin error in the bottom of the second with two outs proved costly, allowing Lipscomb to score two on a deep double. After two innings Jacksonville trailed Lipscomb 0-2.
Lipscomb scored again in the bottom of the fourth. The leadoff batter hit a single to center, then the second batter hit a single to the left side to advance the runner to second. The runner on second scored on a deep double two batters later, and after four innings Jacksonville trailed Lipscomb 0-3.
Jacksonville broke up the no hitter in the top of the third, but couldn't put anyone across. Neither team scored for the rest of the game. Final score: Jacksonville 0, Lipscomb 3.
Down the Road
The Dolphins face Lipscomb one more time this season Saturday at 2 p.m., and then continue their 10-game road trip Wednesday in a doubleheader at Georgia Southern. On April 6 the Dolphins will play a one-game series at Florida State, and then step back into conference play April 9 in a three-game series at USC Upstate. Jacksonville's next home game is April 13 against Florida A&M.
Fans can follow all the action from the 2015-16 season on JUDolphins.com, through twitter @JUSoftball, and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/JacksonvilleUniversityAthletics.
