App State softball hosted Gardner-Webb University Tuesday after returning from a 3-game losing streak. The Mountaineers outplayed the Bulldogs in a 20-3 win. This win marks the 29th of the season, a new program record.
In the bottom of the first inning, App State quickly took the lead with senior infielder Makayla McClain and sophomore catcher Leah Gore scoring a run each.
In the second inning, the Mountaineers widened the gap with an 8-run inning, earning a 10-1 lead. Sophomore infielder Emilie Ching and freshman utility player Madison Fletcher put runs on the board early. Following a home run from junior infielder Macy Hamby, sophomore outfielder Julia Girk and junior outfielder KB Bradshaw scored.
Though the Bulldogs scored 2 runs in the top of the third inning, the Mountaineers put up a strong defense. Gardner-Webb stayed at 3 runs for the remainder of the game.
With the bases loaded, Hamby continued the momentum after hitting a home run to left center. Bradshaw, freshman infielder Taylor Schafer, and junior infielder Grace Barrett scored, making the score 14-3 in favor of the Mountaineers.
In the fourth inning, Gore hit a grand slam to left field, scoring Barrett, McClain and freshman outfielder Emersyn Presutty. Following a Presutty hit, Hamby and Girk scored the final runs of the game.
The Mountaineers will travel to Monroe to take on the University of Louisiana-Monroe Friday through Sunday. The first game will begin at 7 p.m. and will be streamed live on ESPN+.
