Putting pressure on the defense, Allen Community College’s Red Devils used their hitting and base running to claim two run-ruled victories over Cottey College at home Wednesday.
The ACC softball team went six innings in the opener for a 9-1 win. The Red Devils had a 10-hit attack in the game. Leading 2-1, Allen broke it open with six runs in the fourth inning.
Keelyn Bonar, Allen’s starting pitcher, helped herself out with a two-run home run that finished off the fourth inning offensive fireworks. Bonar pitched five innings of one-hit softball, giving up one run and walking two. She struck out six.
Audra Nelson finished up the game for ACC. She didn’t give up any runs or hits but walked two.
The pressure began in the first inning when Jamee McEndree beat out a bunt for a base hit then stole second base. Erin Schwant followed with a single then Maecy Charleston delivered a two-out base hit driving in two runs.
Cottey’s Comets pushed across a run in the second on a walk, a passed ball and a single.
Ashley Ribelin drew a leadoff walk in the fourth and moved to second on an error. Lauren Poertner singled and stole second. Paige Rothwell had a fielder’s choice that produced a run then Taylor Easum reached on a fielder’s choice, ending up at second base on the throw.
McEndree had an RBI ground-out followed by RBI singles from Schwant and Alex Hill. Bonar hit her home run.
In the sixth, Easum doubled and scored later on a single by Hill.
McEndree, Schwant and Hill each had two singles in the game. Easum doubled. Charleston and Poertner had a single apiece and Bonar hit the home run.
Allen continued the pressure on Cottey in the second game in which the Red Devils had 12 hits. Hill threw three perfect innings with six strikeouts for the win. Nelson pitched two innings, allowing an unearned run and striking out two.
The Comets trailed 12-0 when they plated a run on two ACC errors, two passed balls and a ground-out in the fourth.
McEndree singled, moved to second on a passed ball and stole third base for ACC in the first inning. On that steal, the throw was errant by the Comets and McEndree scored.
Allen had six hits in a six-run second inning. The inning was highlighted by a two run double by Schwant.
In the third inning, Alexus Douglas was hit by a pitch then with two gone, Mary Reilly drew a walk. McEndree singled in a run then stole second base. Then Allen had three straight RBI doubles from Schwant, Hill and Bonar.
