MONROE, La. – Maddie Nichols struck out seven over six innings and Bristin Bordeau closed it out in the seventh as Louisiana-Monroe defeated Alcorn 4-1 in nonconference midweek softball Tuesday afternoon at ULM Softball Complex.
Nichols improved to 3-2 on the season, allowing just one earned run on four hits with zero (0) walks allowed. Bordeau earned her first save of the year, retiring all five batters she faced, including two strikeouts.
ULM (23-17) broke the scoreless tie in the fourth inning when a pair of passed balls allowed two unearned runs to score.
Warhawks left fielder Meagan Brown opened the frame with a double, and after a wild pitch moved runners into scoring position, Alcorn was charged with two passed balls that plated Cecilia Gonzales and Hollie Thomas, respectively.
The homestanding Warhawks added insurance runs in the sixth to after the Braves tacked one on in the top of the fifth, producing the 4-1 final.
Elle Carter, the ULM shortstop, ripped a triple down the right field line, scoring Olivia Faggard, and Kennan Nunamaker followed with a sacrifice fly to right center to push the lead to 4-1.
Carter and Thomas each finished with two hits for ULM. Thomas also doubled in the second inning.
Alcorn (11-22) engineered its lone run of the game in the top-half of the fifth frame.
Braves centerfielder
Rajayla McBride laid down a perfectly placed bunt single and stole second base (her sixth stolen bag of the campaign), before eventually coming around to score on an RBI double off the bat of shortstop
Olivia Miller, who finished 2-for-3 on the day.
Chiara Olison took the loss for the Braves in the pitcher's circle, falling to 7-12 overall on the campaign. She allowed two unearned runs over four innings before giving way to reliever
Alainah Felton, who surrendered two earned runs in two innings of relief.
Due to inclement weather expected in the area in and around Lorman, Mississippi, the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) Softball series against Grambling State will begin with a doubleheader Wednesday, April 1, at noon inside Alcorn Softball Complex. The single game will follow Thursday at noon, respectfully.
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