SEWANEE, Tenn. — The Rhodes Lynx completed a three-game sweep over the Sewanee Tigers in emphatic fashion over the weekend moving them to 4-2 in conference play.
Game 1
Gina Dudley was nearly untouchable, tossing a six-inning shutout while scattering just four hits, striking out four, and not allowing a single walk. Her efficient 75-pitch outing kept the Tigers off balance from start to finish and jump started a weekend of dominance for the Lynx.
After a quiet start, Rhodes struck in the third inning with RBI hits from Campbell Smith and Kate Ledlie to take a 2-0 lead. The bats truly exploded in the fifth, where the Lynx capitalized on Sewanee miscues and showcased aggressive baserunning. Smith sparked the rally and later scored on a throwing error, followed by clutch RBI singles from Harper Allee-Press and Jasmyn Stanley. Rhodes swiped three bases in the inning, including a daring steal of home by Madison Bromley, pushing the lead to 7-0.
The Lynx added two more in the sixth, with Bromley and Athena Gonzales each delivering RBI singles. In total, Rhodes pounded out 14 hits, led by multi-hit efforts from Smith (3-for-4), Ledlie (2-for-2), Allee-Press (2-for-3), and Stanley (3-for-3 with two RBIs). The Lynx also stole seven bases, applying constant pressure on Sewanee's defense which helped them achieve the 9-0 score line.
Game 2
Dudley continued her excellent form in the circle, going 5.2 innings while allowing just four hits and striking out five. She was backed up by Emily Pertuit, who closed the door with 1.1 scoreless innings of relief.
The Lynx wasted no time getting on the board. Savannah Russell opened the scoring in the first with a sacrifice fly from Peyton Rohrig. Rhodes kept the pressure on in the third and fifth innings with more small-ball execution — including sac flies from Russell and Campbell Smith — to take a 3-0 lead.
The sixth inning proved to be the difference-maker. Madison Bromley sparked the rally with an RBI single, then came around to score on a clutch hit by Talia Travis. Jasmyn Stanley capped the frame with an RBI single up the middle, pushing the lead to 6-0.
Sewanee rallied briefly in the bottom half of the sixth, scoring twice on RBI hits from H. Wilson and M. Barker, but it wasn't enough to overcome the deficit.
Stanley led the Lynx offensively, going 3-for-3 with an RBI and a stolen base. Russell, Travis, and Bromley each drove in a run, while the Lynx took full advantage of four Sewanee errors to keep their offense rolling and ultimately ending the game 6-2.
Game 3
Down 2-0 heading into their final at-bat, the Lynx erupted for six runs on seven hits in the top of the seventh. Campbell Smith delivered the game-tying blow with a two-RBI single down the left field line, and Kate Ledlie followed with a sacrifice fly to give Rhodes its first lead of the game. Harper Allee-Press added an infield RBI single before Emma Caplinger capped the rally with a two-run double to left center.
Rhodes pounded out 14 hits in the game, with Allee-Press going a perfect 4-for-4 and scoring once. Jasmyn Stanley stayed hot, adding three more hits, and Smith finished with two hits and two RBIs.
Despite trailing for most of the game, Taylor Petty stayed composed and delivered a stellar outing in the circle. The junior right-hander tossed a complete game, allowing just two hits and one earned run while striking out a season-high 10 batters. The final score coming out to be 6-2 in favor of Rhodes, ensured the series sweep for the Lynx.
With the sweep, Rhodes moves to a stronger position in the conference standings while showcasing both depth and momentum heading into the final stretch of the season. The Lynx will look to carry their energy into next weekend's match up against a tough Berry opponent.
