COLUMBUS Ga. – Palm Beach Atlantic softball split the midweek double header against Columbus State on Tuesday winning the first game and dropping the second game in extra innings. The Sailfish (12-13) used a strong offense to defeat the Cougars (14-7) in the first game before the Cougars were able to scrape a few runs together in a pitcher's duel to win in extra innings.
Game 1: Palm Beach Atlantic 10, Columbus State 2
PBA faced a tough task in the opener, as CSU starting pitcher Darby Demarest had not allowed a run in 16 innings and entered the game with a 1.12 ERA on the season. Magnolia West got things started on the right note with a leadoff double, and Maddie Bertisch followed with a bunt single. Kaylee Winn picked up her first hit of the game in the form of an RBI bunt single, and Hannah Carlton followed with a bunt single of her own. The 'Fish added a third run on a wild pitch to jump out to a 3-0 lead.
The Cougars picked up a run in the third off Sailfish starter Katherine Budnovich before Abbey Busby entered to get out of a jam. Busby allowed an unearned run in the fourth as CSU cut the Sailfish lead to 3-2.
The big blow of the game came in the top of the fifth, as Maddie Biggs doubled to right center with the bases loaded to conclude a 16-pitch at bat, which cleared the bases and put the 'Fish up 6-2. Janie McCloskey, Carlton, and Winn all came home to score on the play. Winn added to the lead with her first collegiate home run in the sixth inning, and the 'Fish added an unearned run in the sixth to go up 8-2.
The Sailfish added their final two runs in the seventh as Liz Albertini singled home Hayley Haas and West to make the score 10-2. Taylor Pennica closed out the game with two scoreless innings, as Busby (Win, 9-5) picked up the win for the 'Fish out of the bullpen.
The 'Fish picked up nine hits in the opener, as Winn led the way with a perfect 3-for-3 day at the plate. The freshman finished with three runs scored and two RBI in the game as she added a walk. The 'Fish also stole six bases in the game.
Game 2: Palm Beach Atlantic 1, Columbus State 2
PBA once again struck first against the Cougars, as Biggs singled home Winn in the first inning to give the 'Fish an early lead.
Busby got the start in the circle for the 'Fish and was in control early on, as she didn't run into any trouble until the fourth inning. CSU loaded the bases in the fourth inning with two outs, but Busby came up big with a strikeout to end the threat.
The Cougars again loaded the bases in the bottom of the sixth inning with two outs, and this time Busby got a weak flyout to left field to end the CSU threat.
In the Cougars last chance in the bottom of the seventh they were able to push across a run on an infield hit. CSU would then go on to score again on a double to left to win the game in the bottom of the eighth.
Busby finished the game throwing seven innings giving up seven hits and only two runs which were both unearned while striking out seven. The Sailfish had seven hits of their own that came from seven different Sailfish.
The 'Fish will return to action on Friday, March 8 as they will open up a three-game series with Rollins College at Simpson Field.
