Softball Falls In Opening Round

GULFPORT, Miss. – A five-run sixth inning aided by costly errors was the difference as Bethune-Cookman handed TSU a 6-0 loss in the opening round of the 2023 SWAC Softball Tournament.

In typical postseason fashion, every pitch mattered as TSU overcame an early BCU scoring threat in the second by getting three consecutive outs after allowing the first two runners to reach base with no outs. TSU had an opportunity to strike first in the fourth as Pam Richardson singled and stole second. Daryn Haslam singled but the TSU couldn’t capitalize as Madison Griggs’ was ruled out after contacting the ball on a bunt attempt followed by consecutive strikeouts.

After a rain delay in the bottom of the fifth, both teams returned to action as the intensity picked up. Three walks by TSU allowed BCU to load the bases which came back to haunt them as a hit batter scored the game’s first run for a 1-0 deficit.

After a 1-2-3 TSU top of the sixth, BCU led the bottom half off with a single and stole second. Errors would haunt TSU from that point as a throwing error on the next at-bat led to a 2-0 deficit. TSU walked the next batter followed by another throwing error which loaded the bases. A fielder’s choice at home led to the inning’s first out but a critical throwing error at first led to three runners scoring and a 5-0 BCU lead. The Wildcats added another run for a 6-0 lead to close out the inning.

TSU tried to rally in the seventh as they loaded the bases with two outs but couldn’t close the deal as the game ended on a fly out.

TSU outhit BCU 5-3 as Richardson led TSU with two hits while Lailah Bell went the distance on the mound. The Tigers will play either Prairie View A&M or Jackson State at 9 a.m. tomorrow.