Lions Split Doubleheader with Cobras
February 10, 2012HARTSVILLE, S.C.-- Mars Hill split a doubleheader with Coker College, taking the first game 8-4 and dropping a 9-0 decision in the second game at Saleeby-Stokes Field Friday afternoon. The split gives Mars Hill a 3-1 record on the season, while Coker is now 1-1 overall.
Taylor Morris continued her hot start to the season, slamming two home runs and driving in six runs while also picking up the victory in the circle in game one. Robyn Stanek added three hits, including a home run and a double, and Natalie Haithcox collected two hits and drove in a run on the afternoon. Coker College was paced by Stacey Burr, who hit a grand slam and drove in six runs on the afternoon. Katie Lee threw a complete game shutout for the Cobras in game two.
Game One
The Lions struck first for the third straight game to start the season. Singles by Megan Arrington and Stanek set up an RBI-single by Haithcox for the first run of the game. Then, Morris broke the game wide open with her first homer of the afternoon, a three-run shot for an early 4-0 cushion for MHC.
Coker climbed back into the game with a single run in the bottom of the first and added a pair in the bottom of the fourth on a two-run home run by Burr.
Mars Hill had an answer though, adding three insurance runs in the top of the fifth on Morris’ second home run of the afternoon. Those runs would be all Morris would need on the mound the rest of the way. The junior went the distance, striking out nine and walking one while allowing four earned runs in her seven innings of work. Morris improved her record to 2-0 in the circle, and has now hit five home runs this season.
The Lions would add their last run on a Stanek home run, the first of her collegiate career, in the top of seventh. The Cobras added a run in the bottom of the inning for the 8-4 final.
Game Two
Coker scored two runs in the bottom of the first on a wild pitch and an RBI-single by Jaclin Poole. That would be more than enough for Coker pitcher Lee, who worked five shutout innings and struck out three to earn the victory.
The Cobras added three runs in the bottom of the third, and Burr added a grand slam for her second home run of the afternoon in the bottom of the fourth. Those runs were enough to provide the final margin in the 9-0 mercy-rule shortened victory for the Cobras.
Mars Hill will be in action again on Saturday, Feb. 11 in Laurinburg, N.C. against St. Andrews. First pitch is slated for 1:00 p.m.
