The Chattanooga Mocs softball team powered its way to its best start to a season in program history during a Saturday doubleheader split on the second day of play in the Chattanooga Challenge inside Jim Frost Stadium.
Chattanooga (8-1) used an offensive outburst during game one's 8-0 run-rule victory over Dayton (4-5) to improve its record to 8-0 at the time. The eight-straight wins to open a season are the most in program history.
The Mocs historic run ended in a 7-0 loss to Kennesaw State (2-7) during the nightcap of the doubleheader.
KSU pitched past the offense to avenge its defeat to UTC from last weekend.
GAME 1 BOX » Chattanooga 8, Dayton 0 (5)
Amanda Beltran kicked off a second-inning rally with a lead-off double before Halie Williamson advanced her to third a batter later with a sacrifice bunt. Devan Brown followed that up with an RBI infield single to give UTC a 1-0 lead.
It would be all the run support starting pitcher Allison Swinford would need the rest of the way. On the next at-bat, Katie Corum pinch-hit for starting left fielder Sidney Swantic and delivered with an RBI single to left to extend the advantage to 2-0.
Gracey Kruse drew a walk before an error from the Dayton defense set up a first and second situation with one out in the bottom of the third. Williamson took advantage of the Flyers' miscue and ripped an RBI single to left to put UTC ahead 3-0.
A five-run fifth inning clinched the run-rule victory, the team's third in its last four games. After RBIs from Beltran and Coltharp made it 5-0, Morgan Kazerooni lifted a three-run, pinch-hit home run off the scoreboard in left center to reach the game's eight-run rule.
Swinford (2-0) picked up her second win in as many games in the circle after tossing all 5.0 innings and keeping Dayton scoreless. She allowed six hits and struck out four.
Chattanooga registered 12 hits and reached double-digits for the fourth time this season, the third time in the last four games. Nine different Mocs recorded a hit during the victory.
Notable performances: Emily Coltharp (3-for-4, RBI), Amanda Beltran (2-for-3, 2B, RBI), Morgan Kazerooni (1-for-1, HR, 3 RBI), Gracey Kruse (1-for-2, 2 R, RBI).
GAME 2 BOX » Kennesaw State 7, Chattanooga 0
Kennesaw State entered the game with revenge fully etched in their plans after Chattanooga claimed a 15-4 run-rule victory last weekend. KSU struck for two runs in the second, one in the third and four in the fifth during the 7-0 victory.
Chattanooga committed four errors on defense while allowing a pair of unearned runs in the process. UTC tied a season-low with three hits and was held off the board for the first time in 2019.
Alyssa Coppinger finished 1-for-2 with a walk and belted the team's only extra-base hit with a double in the third inning. Amanda Beltran (1-for-3) and Emily Coltharp (1-for-3) picked up the other two hits, both singles. UTC left nine runs on base in the defeat.
Celie Hudson (3-1) suffered her first loss in the circle of the season after throwing 4.0 innings and allowing five hits, seven runs (five earned) and four walks while striking out three. Mariah Ramirez fired 3.0 innings of relief work, striking out five and surrendering just a pair of singles.
Chattanooga will return home next weekend for its annual Frost Classic tournament inside Warner Park and Jim Frost Stadium. For tournament schedule, tickets, and more information, please visit our TOURNAMENT CENTRAL page.