Softball Closes Weekend with Win Over Miles

MONTGOMERY, Ala. – Olivia Miller went the pitcher's distance in the circle Sunday morning in helping Alcorn Softball to an 8-2 win over Miles in what was the final game of the HBCU Celebration Classic for both teams at Barbara Williams Softball Complex on the campus of Alabama State.
 
Trailing 2-0 in the bottom of the first, Alcorn (6-7) would quickly respond to score four runs across each of the first and second innings, respectfully.
 
The Braves used a Rajayla McBride single back to the pitcher to plate second baseman Sanai Salvant who walked to lead off. Alcorn then took the lead with Mariah Morgan's triple to right scoring centerfielder McBride and Olivia Miller. For Morgan, it was her first triple of the season.
 
The Purple and Gold made it 4-2 with Jamyiyah Cotten's RBI ground out to third that pushed in Morgan.
 
The scoring continued for Alcorn in the second as Miller drove a deep sacrifice fly to center, which was far enough allowing shortstop Karmen Bernard to come in from third with runners on second and third, respectively.
 
A McBride sac bunt then brought home Salvant to make it 6-2.
 
Two plays later, Morgan's sac fly to right and a throwing error charged to the Miles outfield, scored two more runs for the Braves to deliver the 8-2 final.
 
The Miles Bears (7-9) got on the scoreboard first in the top-half of the opening frame, taking advantage of two walks and a passed ball. Kaylyn Cordero then delivered an RBI ground out that scored centerfielder Andrea Harris, followed by a Cassie Willis sac fly to bring home Jada Odom.
 
The win was picked up by Miller (1-1) as she tossed seven innings, allowing two runs on four hits, six walks and two strikeouts. The loss went to Miles' Gracey Adkins (1-5) in working three frames, giving up eight runs (four earned) on five hits and a walk.
 
The Braves return to the diamond Tuesday, Feb. 24, for the home opener in a doubleheader affair with Dillard (La.) beginning at 1 p.m.
 
Inside the Box Score
• Mariah Morgan had her first triple of the season – and the second of the season for the team overall.
• Morgan finished with three RBIs and a run scored.
• McBride had a pair of RBIs in the game with a 1-for-2 day at the plate.
• Miller scored a run and drove in one despite not recording a hit.
 
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