DAYTON, Tenn. — The Bryan College softball team delivered a statement performance against rival Tennessee Wesleyan, sweeping Friday's doubleheader with a pair of impressive wins. Behind dominant pitching and timely hitting, the Lions secured a 5-2 victory in Game 1 before closing out the series with an 8-4 win in Game 2.
Game 1: Bryan 5, Tennessee Wesleyan 2
Pitcher Denver Hogrefe set the tone for the day, tossing a complete-game gem to lead the Lions to victory.
Key Performances:
- Denver Hogrefe (W, 5-2): 7.0 IP, 6 H, 2 ER, 5 K
- J. Santillan: 2-for-3, 2 RBIs, double
- S. Beard: 2-for-4, RBI, run scored
- A. Presley: 1-for-3, RBI, walk
- A. Bunty: 2-for-4, RBI, 2 runs scored
Game Breakdown:
- Scoreless Start: Both teams were locked in a pitcher's duel through the first inning before Bryan broke through in the second.
- Second-Inning Surge: The Lions struck for four runs, capitalizing on clutch hits from Santillan, Beard, and Presley to take control early.
- Hogrefe in Control: The right-hander limited Tennessee Wesleyan to just two earned runs while keeping their hitters off balance.
- Closing It Out: Tennessee Wesleyan cut the lead to 4-2 in the sixth, but Bryan added an insurance run and locked things down in the final inning.
Game 2: Bryan 8, Tennessee Wesleyan 4
The Lions carried their momentum into the second game, using a fast start and consistent offensive production to complete the sweep.
Key Performances:
- A. Bunty: 4-for-4, 4 runs scored
- M. Lee: 2-for-3, 2 RBIs, walk
- A. Presley: 1-for-3, 2 RBIs, walk
- K. Smith (W, 6-3): 5.0 IP, 7 H, 4 ER
- M. Lee (S, 2): 2.0 IP, 1 H, 0 ER, 2 K
Game Breakdown:
- Early Offense: Bryan wasted no time, plating three runs in the first inning, highlighted by Presley's RBI single and a defensive miscue that allowed two more runs to score.
- Consistent Scoring: The Lions tacked on runs in the second, fourth, and fifth innings to keep Tennessee Wesleyan at bay.
- Tennessee Wesleyan's Late Push: The Bulldogs put up three runs in the sixth to tighten the game, but Bryan's pitching held firm, securing the victory.
