JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – On a rainy Thursday evening, Jacksonville split its second game with UNF in the River City Rumble, 10-4, to set the stage for a winner-take-all rubber match on Friday.
Jacksonville managed just one hit despite the score, moving the 'Phins to 31-19 overall and 15-8 in conference play. JU and UNF have now played five games total, with Jacksonville holding a 3-2 advantage thus far.
The Dolphins jumped ahead early without managing a hit, scoring all four runs in the bottom of the first.
Lindsey Chadwick walked in a runner, followed by an
Emma Mansfield sac-fly and a throwing error that saw
Tatum McCool to first and
Alison Carter back in the dugout.
UNF tied things in the top of the fourth before eventually taking and holding the lead via runs in the fifth, sixth and seventh.
Mansfield managed the Dolphins' only hit of the rain-soaked contest with a double in the bottom of the fourth. It was Mansfield's seventh of her freshman season.
Four fielding errors and 10 hits given up to the visitors spelled doom for the 'Phins over the course of the contest.
Freshman
Margaret Jenkins got the start in the circle, holding UNF scoreless for almost three whole innings. She fanned two during her 3.2 innings in the circle.
Delcie Swift and
Karson Johnson came on in relief.
Kate Linkletter was plunked once again in the batter's box, moving her to 25 HBPs this season. She leads the NCAA in hit by pitches and hit by pitches per game.
The final edition of the River City Rumble comes down to Friday night inside Pruitt Softball Complex which also serves as senior night for four Dolphins. First pitch is set for 7 p.m. in the regular season finale for Jacksonville.
The 'Phins have clinched their postseason berth in the ASUN Tournament already, holding the No. 2 overall seed in the Graphite Division while also maintaining the third best ASUN win record in the conference.
