MOUNT BERRY, Ga. – The Maryville Scots were in position throughout Friday's doubleheader at Berry, but a handful of timely swings and defensive breaks went the Vikings' way as the Scots fell 3-2 in game one and 5-0 in game two.
Across the two contests, Maryville collected seven hits, drew four walks and struck out 11 Berry batters in the circle, but ultimately left 12 runners on base and were limited to two runs in the opener.
Game One: Scots Strike Early, Come Up Just Short
Maryville set the tone immediately in the top of the first inning of game one. Paige Dickinson worked a leadoff walk and later came around to score after Ryleigh Maples reached on an error. With two runners in scoring position, Catie Zani delivered the big swing of the inning, roping a two-RBI double to left field to give the Scots a 2-0 lead.
The early cushion showcased Maryville's ability to capitalize on opportunities. Zani finished 1-for-3 with two RBIs, driving in both runs in the contest, while Emma Blankenship added a 2-for-3 performance that included a double in the seventh inning.
Berry answered in the bottom of the first, taking advantage of defensive miscues to tie the game. Of the three runs allowed by Maryville in game one, only one was earned, as the Scots were charged with three errors in the field.
In the circle, Tia Stewart was steady despite the tough-luck loss. She went the distance, scattering six hits over six innings and allowing just one earned run while issuing only one walk. After surrendering a solo home run in the third inning that gave Berry a 3-2 edge, Stewart and the defense settled in, holding the Vikings scoreless over the final three frames.
Maryville nearly forced extra innings in the seventh. Blankenship doubled and advanced to third on a passed ball, and Dickinson drew a two-out walk to put the potential go-ahead run on base. The Scots brought the tying run within 60 feet of home, but a groundout ended the threat.
Game Two: Dickinson Shines in Relief
In the second game, Berry plated two runs in the first inning before Maryville's pitching staff regrouped. Sydney Dickinson entered and delivered one of the day's strongest performances for the Scots, striking out seven batters over 4.2 innings of work. She allowed just two earned runs and kept Maryville within reach through the middle innings.
Whitney Carr added 0.2 innings of scoreless relief to close out the game.
Offensively, Maryville was limited to two hits — a double by Zani and a single from Kaylee Peyret — while drawing two walks. The Scots put runners on in multiple innings, including a fourth-inning opportunity that featured a double and a walk, but were unable to break through.
Defensively, Maryville committed two errors in game two, leading to an unearned run in the fourth. Berry extended its lead with a two-RBI double in the sixth inning, creating the final 5-0 margin.
Strong Efforts to Build On
Despite the results, Maryville saw encouraging individual performances throughout the day. Zani accounted for two of the team's seven hits across the doubleheader, driving in both runs and recording two doubles. Blankenship also recorded a multi-hit game in the opener, while Dickinson's seven-strikeout relief appearance in game two highlighted the Scots' potential in the circle.
Maryville pitchers combined for eight strikeouts in game one and seven more from Dickinson alone in game two, limiting Berry to one earned run in the opener and keeping the Scots within striking distance late.
The Scots will look to turn competitive innings into complete-game results as they continue their nonconference slate this weekend with two games against Rhodes and two against Lyon.
