CRC Softball Wins Two In The Lone Star State

CRC Softball Wins Two In The Lone Star State- Wil Teague, Sports Information Director, 3/29/24

*Photo Credits: Autumn Winston Burk*

CRC Softball traveled to the Lone Star State for two separate doubleheader matchups throughout Easter Weekend. The Lady Pioneers got off to a strong start in their road matchups as CRC defeated the Lady Patriots of Arlington Baptist in both contests today, grabbing two wins on day one of their Texas tour.

Game One: 

Crowley's Ridge- 15

Arlington Baptist- 2

Arlington, TX- The Lady Pioneers dominated the Lady Patriots by ending the opening matchup after five innings as they mass-produced fifteen runs off fifteen hits. Only one run scored by CRC came from the assistance of Arlington Baptist as fourteen of CRC's fifteen runs were batted in by the Lady Pioneer offense. Crowley's Ridge jumped ahead of Arlington Baptist by seeing five runners reach home before their massive ten-run fourth inning ran away contest. CRC had four players collect multiple hits but Hannah Burk wore the batting crown in game one as the senior was perfect from the box, going (4-4) with two doubles and five RBIs. Shelby Elrod picked up her seventh win of the season in a commanding fashion as the senior RHP surrendered two runs (one earned) on just three hits while retiring a career-high twelve Lady Patriots with twelve punch-outs in the trouble-free win. 

Game Two: 

Crowley's Ridge- 6

Arlington Baptist- 4

Arlington, TX- Game two would see an abrupt change as the Lady Pioneers were limited to eight hits, nevertheless, CRC still managed to get the job done by slipping past the Lady Patriots thanks to three big-time at-bats from Shelby Elrod, Hannah Burk, and Brooklyn Melson in the seventh inning.

In the second game, CRC trailed Arlington Baptist, four to three, heading into the last frame as the Lady Patriots snuck the go-ahead run across the plate the previous inning. Down to their last three outs, CRC had luck on their side as the top of the order was due-up. Game-one winning pitcher Shelby Elrod took to the box to lead off the inning, only to become CRC's game-two lifeline. In Elrod's opening at-bat, the senior laced a ball down the left field line, rolling it into the corner which created enough space for Elrod to use her speed and make the round trip back to home for an inside-the-park homer, tying the contest at four runs each. Crowley's Ridge wouldn't settle for a tie as two outs and two batters later, Hannah Burk came up big for CRC by adding her third double of the day with a two-out missile to centerfield, placing the go-ahead run on base and in scoring position. Senior Kourtni Jagneaux drew the five-pitch walk from the Lady Patriots' pitching staff in the next at-bat, which allowed junior Brooklyn Melson to become CRC's game-two hero as the catcher roped a bases-clearing double to centerfield giving CRC the much sought-after lead. Melbourne, AR native Natalie Brightwell closed out the game, as the RHP shut down the Lady Patriots en route to her second save of the season.  Brooklyn Melson led the Pioneers going (3-4) with 2 RBIs. Shelby Elrod also had two hits going (2-4) with 2 RBIs. Halea Wells picked up her fourth win of the season tossing 6.0 innings and allowing four runs on nine hits.  

Up Next: CRC Softball will stay in Dallas, Texas as they will take on Dallas Christian tomorrow for a doubleheader starting at 12:00 PM. #GOPIONEERS.