BOILING SPRINGS, N.C. –
Weslyn Almond's two hit day, along with
Ashley Wark's complete game, led the Runnin' Bulldogs past Western Illinois, 6-0, on the first day of the Runnin' Bulldog Tournament Sponsored by AmericInn.
Almond got the game started with a single for Gardner-Webb before scoring on
Andria Booth's triple to left field, giving the 'Dogs an early 1-0 lead over the Fighting Leathernecks.
Western Illinois threatened in the top of the third, getting a runner in scoring position with two outs, but WIU's Kelsey Marlo was thrown out en route to third, allowing GWU to maintain a one-run lead.
Wark retired the Fighting Leathernecks in order in the fourth, before the Runnin' Bulldogs added a pair of runs to their total, extending their lead to 3-0.
In the bottom of the fourth, Almond walked with two outs and stole second with Booth at the plate. Booth doubled, scoring Almond and giving the 'Dogs a 2-0 advantage with
Kaylee Wacaster up to bat. Wacaster's based hit score Booth, and at the end of three, Gardner-Webb led by a 3-0 score.
Both teams went down in order in the fifth, but in the top of the sixth, Western Illinois managed a pair of singles. Wark forced Brook Stulg to pop up to
Trinity Sterrett at second base, keeping the visitors scoreless.
The Runnin' Bulldogs doubled their run total in the bottom of the sixth, with Almond once again leading the charge. The freshman outfielder singled and stole second base before crossing home plate on K. Wacaster's RBI double to right field.
Maddi Johnson followed Wacaster with a single of her own, before
Annamarie Warley pinch ran and earned a stolen base.
Rachel Cumiskey's sacrifice fly scored K. Wacaster, and Warley later came home on a wild pitch to give the 'Dogs three insurance runs and a 6-0 advantage.
Wark completed the shutout in the seventh despite giving up a leadoff single. With the win, the senior improved to 3-1 on the season, while the Runnin' Bulldogs are now 4-3 as a team. Western Illinois dropped to 2-4 with the loss. Megan Lotarski gave up three runs on seven hits over five innings of work for WIU.
Almond, K. Wacaster, Booth and Johnson all recorded two hits. Marlo led the Fighting Leathernecks with a pair of hits.
Gardner-Webb will be back in action tomorrow, Saturday, February 17, for day two of the Runnin' Bulldog Tournament Sponsored by AmeircInn. The team will face off against Western Illinois at 12 noon, before taking the field against Eastern Illinois at 2 p.m.
