Mounties Drop Doubleheader to PSAC Central Leader Bloom

MANSFIELD – Koryn Wickwire and Kayla Hahn each drove in a run but it wouldn't be enough as Mansfield dropped a PSAC Central doubleheader to division-leading Bloomsburg Friday afternoon at Helen Lutes Field.

Bloomsburg won the opener 5-1 and took the nightcap 6-1.

The opener featured a pitching duel between Mansfield Ashley Inman and Bloomsburg's Taylor Parker. The game remained a scoreless tie over the first four innings before Bloomsburg picked up four runs in the top of the fifth inning.

The Huskies added one more run in the top of the sixth to extend the lead to 5-0 before Mansfield broke through with a run in the bottom of the inning.

Melanie Taylor reached on a fielder's choice and then stole second. She advanced to third on a wild pitch and was driven in by Wickwire. Rachael Sterner then singled to give Mansfield runners on second and third but Megan Miller liner was tracked down ending the potential rally.

Inman went the distance striking out three while Parker picked up the win, limiting the Mountaineers to two hits including a double by Taylor.

In the nightcap, Bloomsburg scored an unearned run in the top of the first of Mansfield starter Sierra Storm.

Mansfield tied the score in the bottom half of the inning when Sterner and Megan Miller were both hit by pitches. Hahn followed with a two out single through the right side to drive in Sterner before Bloomsburg got the final out of the inning.

The Huskies were able to pick up solo runs in the second and third to build a 3-1 advantage.

Storm pitched her way out of a bases-loaded jam in the fourth, including an inning-ending strikeout.

Mansfield threatened again in the sixth with Wickwire leading off with a single and Sterner reaching on a fielding error giving the Mountaineers runners at first and second with no out but they could not push a run across.

Storm took the loss giving way to freshman Ari Young in the fifth inning. Sarah Bortner improved to 11-3 on the season with a complete-game win for Bloomsburg.

Mansfield host IUP in a PSAC Central matchup Saturday at Helen Lutes Field.