PINE BLUFF, Ark. — The Arkansas-Pine Bluff Lady Lions made a statement on their home field Wednesday afternoon, sweeping Mississippi Valley State in a doubleheader with lopsided victories of 9-1 and 11-2 to improve their overall record to 11-18.
Game 1: Lady Lions Explode Early, Roll 9-1
Ark.-Pine Bluff wasted no time in the opener, erupting for four runs in the bottom of the first inning and never looking back.
The first-inning damage was headlined by Janai Mathis, who delivered the big blow of the game — a three-run home run to left field that capped off a four-run frame. Mathis finished the game 1-for-2 with the home run and three RBI, providing more than enough run support in the five-inning affair.
Ariana Gonzalez was the offensive star of Game 1, going 3-for-3 with a double, three RBI and a run scored. Working the heart of the lineup, Gonzalez came through with runners on base all afternoon, including a two-RBI double through the left side in the second inning that extended the lead to 7-1.
Ryen Gaddis added a strong performance out of the two-hole, going 2-for-3 with a double, an RBI and two runs scored. Gaddis also swiped a base in the fourth inning to keep the pressure on Mississippi Valley State's defense.
Alyssa Jones had a terrific day behind the plate and in the box, going 2-for-2 with two runs scored. She set the tone in the second inning by getting on base both times she came up and scoring to push the lead.
Kamea Seunarine contributed in multiple ways, picking up a sacrifice fly RBI in the second and then driving in another run with a base hit in the fourth. She finished 1-for-2 with two RBI.
On the mound, Kaydrian Fields started and earned the win, working three solid innings and allowing just one earned run on five hits before giving way to Traelen Humphrey, who finished off the contest. Humphrey was sharp in relief over two innings, surrendering just one hit while striking out two. Fields improved her season record to 5-3.
Game 2: Lady Lions Pound Valley State 11-2 Behind Seven-Run Second
The nightcap was even more explosive, as Ark.-Pine Bluff sent 11 batters to the plate in a massive seven-run second inning on the way to an 11-2 victory.
Ryen Gaddis was nothing short of spectacular in Game 2, going 3-for-3 with a double, two RBI and three runs scored. It was her second straight strong performance in the twinbill and further cemented her as one of the Lady Lions' most reliable offensive threats on the day.
Naiyestlie Ware was equally impressive at catcher, putting together a 3-for-3 performance with a double and three RBI. Ware did all of her damage with runners in scoring position, driving in runs in multiple innings as part of the second-inning outburst.
Lyric Perry had perhaps the biggest moment of Game 2, crushing a triple to left-center in the second inning that cleared the bases and plated two runs. Perry was hit by a pitch in the same at-bat sequence in the first inning and made her presence felt all afternoon.
Marissa Lariz continued to impress in a limited role, going 1-for-1 with a double and an RBI while also drawing a walk and scoring. Her contribution in the second inning helped fuel the big frame.
Allyncia King chipped in a double and an RBI out of the seventh spot in the lineup, while Rheagan Montgomerycontributed two RBI including a sacrifice fly.
Starting pitcher Danika Bryant worked 1.2 innings before giving way to Karis Stewart, who handled the bulk of the pitching duties and earned the win by quieting the Valley State offense the rest of the way. Stewart improved to 2-2 on the season. Kamea Seunarine closed out the final inning cleanly.
