Pirates Split Again

On Wednesday night, the Pirate softball team faced off against Gulf Coast State in an exciting doubleheader, resulting in a split.

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In the first game, Pensacola got on the board in the third inning. Katelyn Morgan and Gabbie York hit back-to-back singles, both scoring when Morgan Maples drove a ball into right field that tipped off the outfielder's glove. Gulf Coast responded with a run in the fourth inning through back-to-back doubles, but the Pirates turned a crucial double play to end the threat. With a runner on second, a ground ball was hit to Morgan at third, who threw to first for the out. Keira Trim then returned the throw to cut down the runner trying to advance to third.

Pensacola added another run in the sixth inning when Abbie Morris singled up the middle to score Trim. Anna Reily entered the game in relief in the sixth and promptly induced a 6-3 double play to end the inning. She then retired three batters in the seventh to pick up the save. Yala Zwakman earned the win, throwing 5.1 innings, striking out seven while allowing only three hits. Abbie Morris was a standout, going 3-for-3 with an RBI and a stolen base, while Katelyn Morgan went 2-for-3 with a run scored.

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The second game saw Gulf Coast take a 5-1 lead into the bottom of the fifth inning before the Pirates began to rally. With the bases loaded and no outs, Gabbie York lined out hard to third, and Gulf Coast turned an important double play. Still, with two runners on, Anna Reily stepped up and smashed a home run to left field, pulling Pensacola within one run. Unfortunately, the Commodores added an insurance run in the seventh, and the Pirates fell 6-4.

Pensacola has a bye this weekend and will start round two of Panhandle play on Wednesday, April 2, when they host Chipola at 4:00 and 6:00 PM. The Pirates will look to build on their strong performances and continue their push in the Panhandle Conference.