Southern Oregon’s Strong Second Inning Holds off Cumberlands (Ky.) in Game Three

COLUMBUS, Ga. – [Watch On-Demand] Southern Oregon used a decisive four-run second inning and a steady outing from pitcher Ayla Davies to defeat Cumberlands (Ky.), 4-2, on Thursday at South Commons Complex in Columbus, Georgia.

Cumberlands struck first in the top of the first inning when Grace Ross launched a solo home run to left field, giving the Patriots an early 1-0 lead. SOU answered immediately in the bottom of the second, capitalizing on timely hitting and defensive miscues to take control of the game. Gia Almont tied the score with an RBI bunt single that brought home Avery Coffin. Moments later, Kalea Thomas delivered a single that turned into a two-run play after a fielding error at third base, allowing Elysia Duarte and Almont to score. The Raiders capped the rally when Vanessa Lang grounded out to shortstop, plating Thomas for a 4-1 advantage. The final run of the inning was unearned.

Cumberlands trimmed the deficit in the third inning. Kristen Smith singled to left field to drive in Ross, whose run was unearned following Southern Oregon’s second defensive error of the game.

That would be as close as the Patriots would get, however, as Davies settled in and kept Cumberlands off the scoreboard the rest of the way.

Davies earned the complete-game victory, allowing four hits and two runs, only one earned, while walking one over seven innings. Jessica Cord took the loss for Cumberlands despite also throwing a complete game, allowing four runs, three earned, on seven hits with two walks and two strikeouts.

Coffin led Southern Oregon offensively with a 2-for-3 performance, while Thomas finished 2-for-4 with an RBI and a run scored. Almont added an RBI on her bunt single during the pivotal second inning.

Ross provided the offensive spark for Cumberlands with her solo home run and scored both Patriot runs. Aniyah White added a double as part of the Patriots’ four-hit effort.

UC will take on the loser of the nightcap between College of Idaho and British Columbia, while Southern Oregon will earn an off day tomorrow before playing the winner of Game Seven on Saturday at 7 p.m. ET.