BIRMINGHAM,Ala. - The Lynx drop game one, 5-2, before exploding for 14 hits to out slugg the Panthers, 8-7 in game two.
Despite scoring first off a solo homerun from All-American
Jessica Brown in the top of the third inning, the Lynx would be outscored 5-0 until the top of the seventh inning. In the last frame, Rhodes added their final run of the ball game when
Makenzie Martin was singled home by
Erin Parker to bring the final count to 5-2, in favor of the hosting Panthers.
Similar to the first two games of the series, the Lynx continued to out hit their opponents 7-3 during game three, but were unable to get runners home, stranding six runners over seven innings.
In game four, the Lynx rallied behind freshman
Aubrey Blackstock who made her first collegiate start in the circle. Blackstock struck out two of the first three batters she faced and gave Rhodes a momentum boost they used to score four runs during a two out rally in the top of the second inning.
Makenzie Martin started the hit parade with a double followed by a single from
Danielle Smith. Rhodes' speedy Smith would steal second base to give the Lynx runners on second and third for senior
Amber Hunt. Hunt would drive the ball to left field scoring both Martin and Smith and advancing to second on the Panther's throw home.
Erin Parker came to the plate next and quickly traded places with Hunt on slap single to the left side that scored Hunt and saw Parker advance to second on the throw home, keeping the Lynx within striking distance for yet another run. The last run of the inning would come off the bat of freshman
Christine Hume who blasted a double off the top of the fence in left center scoring Parker and bringing the score 4-0, Lynx.
BSC responded in the bottom of the second pushing two runs scross before capitalizing on a Rhodes defensive miscue, with two outs, that prolonged the inning and allowed the Panthers to score three more times before being retired.
BSC added aother run in the bottom of the third inning, making the score 6-4, and that's where the score would remain until the Lynx final six outs. In the top of the sixth,
Danielle Smith singled, was bunted over to second base and again was hit home by
Erin Parker, narrowing the gap to a single run with one inning remaining.
In the top seventh
Rachel Pewitt and
Courtney Williams lead off with back-to-back singles. With runners on first and second, Martin doubled, scoring Pewitt and leaving Williams and Martin in scoring position.
Danielle Smith, who continues to be a terror to opposing pitchers, smashed a shot through the infield bringing both Willaims and Martin home and giving Rhodes a two run lead going into the bottom of the seventh.
With an 8-6 lead, Rhodes surrendered a solo homerun before quickly closing out the inning and securing the win.
The win moves Rhodes to 12-6 on the season and 1-3 in SAA play.
The Lynx return home to play Berry College, March 15, first pitch is scheduled for 12 p.m.