SMC Splits AAC Doubleheader at Milligan

MILLIGAN, Tenn. – Spartanburg Methodist College split an AAC softball doubleheader with Milligan on Saturday, earning a 2-0 victory in game one before falling 7-6 in the nightcap.

SMC (21-6, 4-4 AAC) was powered by a dominant performance in the circle from Bailey Kiser in the opener. Kiser struck out seven and allowed just three hits en route to her fifth shutout of the season. She has now limited opponents to three hits or fewer in five outings this year.

The game remained scoreless until the fifth inning when SMC broke through. Lydia Faulk led off with a single and advanced to third on a bunt by Adriana Stump-Frias. With two runners in scoring position, Saleena Rollins fouled off three consecutive pitches before delivering a two-RBI single into the right-center gap to give the Pioneers the lead.

Kiser closed the door from there, retiring 10 of the final 11 batters to improve to 11-3 on the season.

HIGHLIGHTS from Game 1

In game two, Milligan rallied late to secure a 7-6 win.

SMC jumped out to an early 3-0 lead before the Buffs responded with a two-run home run in the bottom of the second. The Pioneers extended their advantage to 5-2 in the third inning on a two-RBI double by Grace Thomas, who led the offense with three hits and four RBIs in the game.

Milligan answered with a three-run third inning to tie the game at 5-5, then took the lead with RBI bunt singles in both the fourth and fifth innings.

Trailing 7-5 in the seventh, SMC mounted a final push as Alex Stuckey and Maddie Handy opened the inning with back-to-back singles. After a flyout, Thomas delivered an RBI single to right field to score Stuckey and move the tying run into scoring position. However, Milligan recorded back-to-back strikeouts to end the game and halt the comeback.

SMC returns to action Tuesday with an AAC doubleheader at Montreat College. First pitch is scheduled for 4 p.m.