Ole Miss softball achieved a split on the second day of the Easton Classic in Fullerton, California. The team defeated CSUN 13-1 before losing to Boise State 3-2 at Anderson Family Field.
In the first game, pitcher Lilly Whitten made her debut for Ole Miss and recorded three strikeouts over two innings. The Rebels’ offense started scoring in the third inning, with Mackenzie Pickens hitting an RBI double and Kennedy Bunker following with an RBI single. Rachel Connors contributed with a two-RBI single, giving Ole Miss a 4-0 lead.
CSUN managed to score one run in the bottom of the third inning. However, Ole Miss responded by increasing their lead through singles from Tenly Grisham and Pickens, an error by CSUN, and a sacrifice fly by Persy Llamas. Madi George hit her first collegiate home run, making it 8-1.
After a pitching change by CSUN, Cassie Reasner walked and Connors singled. Grace Thompson and Taylor Malvin added back-to-back RBI doubles to bring the score to 11-1. In the fifth inning, Reasner drove in another run with a single, and Malvin drew a bases-loaded walk to secure a 13-1 win for Ole Miss.
The second game against Boise State was closely contested. Emilee Boyer started as pitcher for Ole Miss and collected five strikeouts over three scoreless innings. Offense was limited until the fourth inning when Persy Llamas got the first hit for Ole Miss.
In the fifth inning, walks by Connors, Boyer, and Malvin loaded the bases for Ole Miss. A fielder’s choice RBI from Grisham and an RBI single from Pickens gave them a two-run lead. However, Boise State hit a three-run home run later in the game that put them ahead. Attempts by Ole Miss to regain the lead were unsuccessful.
Ole Miss will play CSUN again on Saturday as part of their final game in the Easton Classic.
For more information about Ole Miss softball or updates on games and events, visit OleMissSports.com or follow their official social media accounts on Twitter (@OleMissSoftball), Facebook (Ole Miss Softball), Instagram (@olemisssoftball), or head coach Jamie Trachsel’s Twitter account (@Jamie_Trachsel).
