Eagles Split At Moravian, One Step Closer to Landmark Postseason

BETHLEHEM, Pa.- The Juniata softball team earned an important split at Moravian University, dropping game one 5-0 before winning 4-3 in game two, Wednesday afternoon at Blue and Grey Field.  

In game one, the Eagles threatened to score first in the third inning. Caleigh Love was hit by a pitch, and Dani Berlin put down a bunt single and got to second on a throwing error. The Eagles couldn't get either runner home as the Greyhounds induced two ground outs and a popup to second. 

In the fourth, Jessie Hunt singled down the right field line, and on Emily Eutsey's single to right center Hunt rounded third and tried to score but was thrown out at home plate.

Baran managed to hold the Greyhounds to two hits before Moravian used a pair of home runs in the sixth, including a grand slam, to blow the game open. Juniata couldn't generate a comeback as the hosts took game one. 

In game two, the Greyhounds started off on the front foot, scoring two runs in the bottom of the first. 

In the top of the third, with one out, Maryn Swank smacked a single down the left field line, and Ashley Cheung walked. Cate Baran singled up the middle to load the bases before Aly Superka drove in two runs with a single to tie the game. 

In the fourth, Hunt led off with a single to center, and Abby John came in to pinch run. John got to third on back-to-back ground outs by Eutsey and Lauren Fisher, Swank walked, and Cheung smashed a triple to left to clear the bases as the Eagles went up 4-2. 

Moravian got one back in the fifth to halve the Eagle advantage, 4-3. 

Swank exited the game in the sixth after inducing a ground out, and Baran got the final five outs of the game to get the save. 

Swank went 5.1 innings while giving up 11 hits, three runs, and a walk to get the win. Baran struck out four in 1.2 innings. 

Superka went 2-4 with two RBI, and Cheung was 1-2 with a triple, two RBI, a walk, and a run scored.  

It is the first time the Eagles have beaten Moravian since 2013 when JC defeated the Greyhounds in the Landmark Tournament. Juniata has four wins over the Greyhounds all time, winning back in 2003, 1997, and 1994, making this the first Landmark Conference regular season win in program history. 

Juniata will look to lock a berth in Landmark Tournament this Saturday at Catholic. First pitch is at 1:00.