Bucknell University
4-9
Coppin State University
1-1
Softball Clips Eagles, 14-0 in Run-Rule Win
3/4/2023 6:20:00 PM | Softball
TOWSON, Md.- The Bucknell Bison softball team (4-9) won a 14-0 rout over Coppin State on day one of the TU DeMarini Invite. The game ended in five innings as the Bison invoked the mercy run rule.
The Bison were led by Chase Knapp's two doubles and four RBIs. Madison Roukey received the start in the circle and tossed a complete game shutout to run her scoreless inning streak to 14 while winning her third game of the year. The Bison set the tone by scoring six runs in the first inning.
Bucknell scored 14 runs for the first time since 2019 against Lehigh, and it was the largest margin of victory since the Orange & Blue defeated Coppin State 17-0 in 2008.
"I am proud of how we competed today," said head coach Sarah Caffrey. "Roukey continues to shine in the circle, and she set the tone for our defense. We talk to our pitching staff and defense about allowing our offense to score runs for us by giving them time to get there, and when you have someone who can do that, it sets the stage.
I was super impressed with our hitters and their adjustments. I was also impressed with their ability to make things happen and stay disciplined with the strike zone. Knapp coming up with the big RBI at-bat in the first inning was exactly what we needed to get going.
It's all about winning one game at a time, and that was a big win. Tomorrow is another opportunity to do the same thing."
Coppin State issued its severest threat in the first inning by collecting two hits. The leadoff hitter singled and reached second on a passed ball. Roukey induced two straight-outs. A Coppin State hitter singled to center field, but a relay to the plate gunned the runner at home for the final out.
The Bison wasted no time establishing a lead. Elena Horn led off the inning with a walk, MaKenzie Hilling laid down a beautiful sacrifice bunt, and Horn advanced to third on a wild pitch. Savannah Jones worked the pitcher for a walk and stole second. Zoie Smith was nailed to load the bases for Knapp. The senior slugger stepped to the plate and cleared the base paths with a roaring double down the left field line. Due to a wild throw, Knapp scored as well, and the Bison were up 4-0.
Kailyn Lorberter and Annabella Hawkins were plunked, and Noelle Gardon walked to reload the bases. Coppin State made a pitching change. A fielder's choice placed Haley Speicher on first. Horn batted for the second time and reached on a throwing error. Two runs were scored for the Bison. Hilling flew out, but Bucknell had a decisive 6-0 lead.
Roukey shut down Coppin State in order in the second inning.
The Bison added two more runs in their frame. Jones singled, and Knapp hit her second double of the game to score Jones. Knapp advanced to third on the throw. Lorberter executed a glorious squeeze play to score Knapp. A Gardon fly-out ended the inning with Bucknell up 8-0.
Neither team scored in the third stanza. Coppin State hit a double but could do nothing against Roukey. Horn reached on a fielding error by the shortstop, but the Bison did not capitalize.
Roukey tossed another 1-2-3 inning in the fourth.
Bucknell put a cherry on top in their fourth frame. Jones led off with a double and was pinch run for by Ava Aguilar, who advanced to third on a wild pitch. Smith doubled to score her. Lorberter and Gardon walked to load the bases. Hawkins delivered the goods with a triple down the left-field line. Speicher reached on a throwing error by the shortstop, which scored Hawkins. Horn hit an infield single. Aguilar doubled to left center to score Horn and give Bucknell a 14-0 lead.
Roukey did not mess around in the final inning. She obtained two strikeouts and a fly-out to clinch the run-rule victory for Bucknell.
Up Next
The Bison play Coppin State and Towson tomorrow. The first game is at 10 a.m. The second contest will follow immediately afterward.
Team Stats
Pitching:
W: Roukey, Madison (3-1)
L: REYMER,Brandilyn (0-1)
Batting:
2B: ALVARADO,Brissa 1
Batting:
2B: Jones, Savannah 1 ; Aguilar, Ava 1 ; Smith, Zoie 1 ; Knapp, Chase 2
3B: Hawkins, Annabella 1
RBI: Aguilar, Ava 1 ; Smith, Zoie 1 ; Knapp, Chase 4 ; Lorberter, Kailyn 1 ; Hawkins, Annabella 3
SH: Hilling, MaKenzie 1 ; Lorberter, Kailyn 1
Base Running:
RUNS: Horn, Elena 2 ; Jones, Savannah 2 ; Aguilar, Ava 1 ; Smith, Zoie 1 ; Lioumis, Nicole 1 ; Knapp, Chase 2 ; Radican, Bella 1 ; Gardon, Noelle 2 ; Hawkins, Annabella 2
SB: Jones, Savannah 1
HBP: Smith, Zoie 1 ; Lorberter, Kailyn 1 ; Hawkins, Annabella 1
