SPARTANBURG, S.C. - Taking the field for the final day of the Founders Classic, Upstate Softball hosted Ohio and Saint Francis responding to the challenges to walk away sweeping day two of the Founders Classic. In a highly anticipated game full of adversity and rallies, the Spartans walked away with a 10-9 victory over Ohio in extra innings. Following the game one momentum, Upstate's offense mixed with controlling the opposing batters marked their second run rule victory of the season with a 13-2 final over Saint Francis.
Game One vs. Ohio (10-9, Win)
Ohio opened the scoring column with a leadoff hit followed by loading the bases setting up a sacrifice fly. The Spartans were able to escape the top of the first, only giving up one run trailing going into the bottom of the inning. The story of highs and lows began with Emily Stern adding the first Upstate hit with a double to left center, but the Bobcats held their ground with a strikeout and groundout. As the intensity picked up, the bottom of the third brought life to Upstate's offense with Amie Johnson and Taliyah Thomas adding back-to-back infield singles and then advancing into scoring position from wild pitches. The Spartans took the lead following a two-RBI double from Emily Stern, plating Johnson home. Laney Jennings began to find her way singling to right center, taking the lead to end the inning. Ohio responded in the top of the fourth with two RBI singles regaining the lead at 3-2. The Bobcats continued controlling the matchup with an RBI single through the top of the fifth plating two runs through the inning. Laney Jennings opened the bottom of the fifth with a solo shot to right field adding Upstate's third run. The Spartans tied the game at five with Alyssa Davenport's RBI single followed by a sacrifice fly from Mackenzei Bernal-Mahagan. Laney Jennings put Upstate back ahead, showing she was ready for big moments for her second home run of the game. Going into seventh, both teams intensified the matchup, which was enough to move the game into extra innings. In the top of the eighth, Ohio took the lead with two doubles to center field. The Spartans escaped the inning looking to respond with their turn at the plate. With Amie Johnson placed on second, Taliyah Thomas homered to left field plating two runs. With zero outs on the board, Emily Stern and Laney Jennings followed with two infield singles increasing the momentum followed by a fielding error to load the bases. Ella Christopher stepped up to the plate with the score 9-9 to walk it off with an infield single for a rally win.
Game Two vs. Saint Francis (13-2, Win)
Taking the field for the second game, Saint Francis opened the scoring column with a two-run bomb to center field. The Spartans responded in the bottom of the third with Taliyah Thomas adding an infield single to shortstop followed by Laney Jennings adding her third homerun out of the park for the day. The Spartans continued their hot inning with multiple hits from Carson Shaw and Ella Christopher. Mackenzei Bernal-Mahagan and Abby Polk increased the lead for Upstate adding three runs leading 8-3. Laney Jennings followed with her fourth homerun of the day pushing the Spartans' lead to 11-2. The Red Flash did not respond as Mackenzei Bernal-Mahagan plated another run, and the Spartans ended the game in run rule fashion.
Notable
Up next for the Spartans
Following a six-game slate at the Founders Classic, Upstate Softball returns to the Hawkins Field at Cyrill Stadium hosting the Wings Etc. Classic on February 13-14 welcoming Youngstown State and West Georgia. Game times for the Spartans are scheduled for 1:30 & 4:00 P.M. on Friday, February 13 and Saturday, February 14.
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Ingles I-26 Rivalry Food Drive: Support Miracle Hill Ministries in Spartanburg by donating to the Ingles I-26 Rivalry Series Food Drive through Saturday, February 14. All donations stay local, and donors may scan the QR code on donation bins for a free ticket to an upcoming Upstate basketball game. For donation locations and more information, click here.
