The Rams (23-14, 9-8 MEC) lost both games of a double header against the Mountain Lions (23-21, 12-8 MEC) on Thursday afternoon. in the first game, Shepherd lost to Concord 2-3. The second game of the back to back was another close contest in which Shepherd fell short 4-5.
The first contest did not remain scoreless for long, with Concords’ Abby Beaty bringing in a runner with an RBI single in the bottom of the first. The score remained the same until the bottom of the third, when Concords Abby Beaty again brought in a run with an RBI single.
The score stayed at 2-0 until the top of the sixth, when the Rams scored two runs to even up the score. Third basemen Alexandra Witt singled to center field to bring home Kaitlyn Konopka. Rams first basemen, Connor Gilligan followed that up with another RBI single to bring in Alexandra Witt.
The first game remained tied until the last at bat, with the game ending in walk-off fashion. Again, Concords left outfielder, Abby Beaty, brought in a third RBI with a single to secure the first victory for the Mountain Lions.
Rams Pitcher Kaitlin Munda received the loss for the first contest, as she pitched for six innings. For the game, Munda allowed seven hits along with three runs allowed. She also struck out five Concord players for the game. On the season, Munda has a record of eight wins and nine losses.
Concord pitcher, Allie Reid, secured the win in the first game, as she threw a complete game. She allowed two runs on four hits to go along with two strike outs.
The second game of the double header was another close contest. For this game, the Rams were the first to strike with Alexandra Witt bringing home centerfielder Kaitlyn Kanopka on an RBI single. However, Shepherd did not enjoy their lead for long, as Concord second basemen Jenna Witt brought in right fielder Linsey Stahl on a sacrifice-fly RBI.
The third inning was an offensive outburst for the Mountain Lions as they extended the lead to 4-1. The first run of the inning was scored by concord first basemen Kylie Kent on a throwing error by Shepherd first basemen Connor Gilligan. Concords Allie Reid brought the lead to 3-1 in the inning with an RBI single that brought home teammate Abby Beaty.
The offense for the inning concluded with Concord right fielder Lindsey Stahl hitting an RBI double that brought home catcher, Chelsea Shepherd.
In the top of the fourth, Rams Rachel Taylor flew out to right field, which allowed third which allowed third basemen Alexandra Witt to make it home. Shepherd could not capitalize on the momentum of the run scored as the score remained 4-2 until the top of the fifth.
The Rams tied the game up at four with two RBI singles from Witt and Gilligan once more. The comeback was short lived as the Mountain lions scored the final run of the game during the bottom of the fifth. Concords Allie Reid hit an RBI double to bring home centerfielder Lauren Lewis.
The scoring for the game concluded during the fifth inning as Concords pitching calmed another comeback bid.
Rachel Pritchard threw four innings, surrendering four hits and four runs. Sarah Herndon got the win for Concord in relief of Pritchard, allowing just two hits in the two innings she pitched
Tara Hanson got the start at pitcher in the second game for the Rams. In two innings pitched, she allowed six hits and four runs. Lori Sturgill received the loss in relief of Hanson, as she allowed two hits and one run in three innings pitched.
The Rams take on UVa-Wise in Wise, Virginia on April 14 at 1p.m.