Game 1, SU Wins due to Estep’s performance

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The Shippensburg University softball team used a dominant pitching performance to secure the win in Game 1 against West Chester University Tuesday afternoon from Robb Field.

The Golden Rams got their only run of the game in the first inning, as designated player Kelly Anderson tomahawked a 1-1 pitch over the left-field fence. Estep soon got in the zone, however, retiring 12 of the next 14 batters she faced.

Maddie Justice provided the first of her two hits in the opening game by lacing a double into the left-center field gap to start the second inning. Justice eventually scored via station-to-station softball, advancing one base on consecutive groundouts by Rachel Shumway and Jessie Trammell.

Justice and Trammell each went 2-for-3 at the plate in the opening game.

The Raiders got the eventual winning run in the fourth inning. Catcher Meg Lehman led off with a single and was on second base with two outs before Shumway singled through the left side to bring her home. Trammell and Thompson each followed with singles to load the bases, but a lineout ended the inning with SU up 2-1.

Estep had to work out of a jam in the top of the seventh to get her team-leading fourth victory of the season. After allowing a leadoff double to cleanup hitter Nicole Cruts, Estep hunkered down and struck out the side, all swinging, to end the game. She allowed just one walk and three hits in her fifth complete game of the season.