MARYVILLE, Tenn. — The Maryville Scots split their conference doubleheader against Belhaven on Friday afternoon, dropping game one 9-6 before bouncing back with a 3-0 shutout in the closer. Maryville moved to 22-14 overall following the split.
Game One: Blazers Use Big Third Inning to Take Opener
Emma Blankenship and Sydney Dickinson jumpstarted the Scots' offense, drawing back-to-back walks to put runners on first and second. Catie Zani followed with a single to left center, bringing in the first run of the game and moving another runner into scoring position. After a fielder's choice, Paige Dickinson singled through the left side, driving in her counterpart and giving Maryville an early 2-0 lead.
After a scoreless half from the Blazers, Desiree Nance opened the second inning with a solo home run to left field. With two outs, S. Dickinson stayed hot, cranking her 11th home run of the season into left to extend Maryville's advantage to 4-0 after two innings.
Belhaven answered in a big way in the third inning, tallying one home run, two doubles, and a single to plate six runs and take their first lead of the game.
The Scots responded quickly. With two outs and a runner on first, Abby Woodard launched the first home run of her collegiate career, a two-run shot that tied the game at 6-6.
After two scoreless innings, Belhaven doubled down the left-field line to bring in a run and reclaim the lead, 7-6. The Blazers added two more insurance runs later in the inning, handing Maryville a tough 9-6 loss in the opening game.
Maryville tallied six hits in the contest, with Zani leading the way with two knocks and an RBI. Woodard recorded a two-run homer, while Nance and S. Dickinson each added solo shots. P. Dickinson also contributed an RBI single as the Scots produced runs throughout the lineup.
Game Two: Dickinson Deals as Scots Secure Shutout
Neither team found offensive momentum through the first five innings of game two. Belhaven threatened in the top of the third after a double and a wild pitch moved a runner to third, but the Blazers were unable to capitalize.
Maryville broke through in the bottom of the fifth. After two straight strikeouts, Blankenship singled to left center to reach base. Moments later, S. Dickinson delivered a clutch double to right center, bringing in Blankenship and giving the Scots a 1-0 lead late in the contest.
Maryville continued to add on in the sixth. Following a quick 1-2-3 top half, P. Dickinson sent a ball over the fence to extend the Scots' lead. Woodard later laid down a sacrifice bunt, advancing O. Harris to third and allowing her to come home on a wild pitch and push the advantage to 3-0.
In the circle, S. Dickinson was dominant, tossing a complete-game shutout while allowing just two hits across seven innings. She faced 25 batters, issued two walks, and kept the Blazers off the scoreboard to earn the win.
At the plate, Blankenship paced the Scots with a perfect 3-for-3 performance and a run scored. P. Dickinson added a home run and RBI, while S. Dickinson contributed with an RBI double. Woodard and O. Harris also recorded hits as Maryville totaled eight hits in the shutout victory.
Your Scots return to action Tuesday, April 21, at 2:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m., taking on the Eagles of Asbury in a crucial CCS matchup.
