BOILING SPRINGS, N.C. - The Gardner-Webb University softball team (9-7) opened the Spring in The Springs tournament on Friday afternoon inside Brinkley Stadium, defeating IU Indy and Stony Brook back-to-back thanks to a big day at the plate

GAME ONE - Gardner-Webb 9, IU Indy 1 // 6 Innings
After going behind in the top of the first inning, Gardner-Webb jumped on IU Indy for two runs in the second, four runs in the third, and three runs in the sixth to pull away for an early, run-rule victory.

Freshman pitcher Anna Hornbaker was excellent for the 'Dawgs in the start and with added run support, tossing 6.0 complete innings, allowing just five hits and just a single earned run to earn her second victory of the young season.

Gardner-Webb got the scoring started with a bang, with freshman center fielder Lauren Spainhower sending a triple out to left center to plate the 'Dawgs first run. Junior second baseman Annicka McLauhglin brought Spainhower across in the next at bat for a 2-1 GWU lead.

The Runnin' Bulldogs added on in a big way in the fifth inning, with junior catcher Taylor Dreher and junior right fielder Emily Garcia cashing in on RBI singles to open up a 5-1 lead. Junior infielder Alyssa Bonilla stepped in as a pinch hitter as well, driving home another run for a 6-1 Gardner-Webb lead.

Dreher was back to the plate in the sixth inning, doubling home a run before scoring herself on a series of mistakes by the defense. A wild throw from left field to home bounced off the catcher and into the dugout, allowing Dreher to take home for an 8-1 lead.

Part of a 3-for-4 game, senior catcher Jaylin Tineo drove in the game winning run moments later, smashing a base hit through the right side to complete a 9-1 victory for the Runnin' Bulldogs.

For Gardner-Webb, each of Tineo, Spainhower and Dreher all recorded three hits, while junior left fielder Maura Pendleton and freshman first baseman Madden McMahan-Waters had two each, part of 15 total for the contest.

GAME TWO - Gardner-Webb 7, Stony Brook 3
In the late game, the Runnin' Bulldogs bounced back from a rocky third inning, pulling away for good with four runs in the fourth for a second victory.

Tineo continued a brilliant day at the plate in the first inning of game two, notching another RBI single to give the 'Dawgs a 1-0 lead. Tineo would come around to score not long after, when Araceli Pesqueira drove a pitch back up the box for a 2-0 lead.

The visiting Seawolves struck for three runs in the third inning, turning around the Gardner-Webb lead for one of its own. Stony Brook put runners on and did its damage, scoring three times on four hits and an error. Gardner-Webb didn't trail for long though, as junior shortstop Ella Christopher flipped the script with an RBI double in the bottom half of the frame, making the score 3-3. 

The 'Dawgs then added the next four runs without reply in a big fourth inning. Overall, Gardner-Webb scored four runs on three hits, walked twice, reached on one fielder's choice and used a hit-by-pitch. Spainhower again came up big at the plate to walk in a run, while Tineo completed a 3-for-3 game with another RBI single. To cap off the scoring, sophomore catcher Carmen McRae came off the bench for a pinch hit, RBI single, and a 7-3 lead for the 'Dawgs.

Freshman pitcher Hannah Frye picked up the win for Gardner-Webb in the circle, tossing a complete 7.0 inning game, allowing eight hits, striking out three, and allowing no runs outside the three run third inning by Stony Brook.

UP NEXT
Spring in The Springs continues on Saturday, as Gardner-Webb faces Chattanooga at 3:00 p.m. and IU Indy again at 5:30 p.m. at Brinkley Stadium