WEST PALM BEACH, Fla.- The Palm Beach Atlantic softball team (1-7) was shut out in their home opener Friday night at Simpson Field by a final score of 5-0. The ‘Fish were kept to only four hits on the contest by the Armstrong State University Pirates (6-3).

Nikki Brinegar (Loss, 1-2) pitched seven complete for the Sailfish, striking out five batters. 

Theresa Butler led off the bottom of the third with a bunt single, and moved to second base courtesy of a Karina Langer sacrifice bunt. Kayla Knight followed Langer with a single to left field, and after a failed sac fly attempt, both runners advanced a base courtesy of a Pirates passed ball. The ‘Fish unfortunately were unable to tie things up or take the lead as Pirates’ pitcher Morgan Duff got herself out of the jam with a ground ball final out.

Armstrong State added their first of two runs in the top of the fourth inning as they got things going with a double to start off the inning, sacrifice bunted the runner to third, and they drove her in on an unassisted putout by Ali French at first base. Following the ground out, Morgan Duff singled to left, and scored the following at-bat as Macy Coleman doubled to left center field, giving the Pirates a 3-0 lead. 

The Pirates added another two runs in the top of the seventh inning, bringing the game to it’s final score of 5-0.

The Sailfish have a quick turnaround as they are back at it Saturday afternoon, Feb. 13 as they take on Washburn University at 3 p.m. in the second day of the 2016 Sailfish Showdown.