The Washington Demons went out on the road and came away with a pair of softball victories last night in a doubleheader at Knoxville. Washington claimed Game One 12-6, using one of the highest-scoring lineups in the state to their advantage right away with two runs in the first inning.
After Knoxville used a three-run third to take a 4-3 lead, the Demons came right back in the top of the fourth with three runs of their own, and a six spot in the sixth would put Washington in control for good.
The Salazar sisters paced a Demon lineup that had 11 total hits. Sophomore Leighton Salazar had three knocks in the lead-off spot and scored three runs, while junior Bella Salazar came up with two hits, including a double, and a team-high four runs batted in. Senior Rylee Libe and juniors Lauren and Kendall Hinrichsen also each scored twice.
Game Two was much more of a pitcher’s duel, but Washington found a way to get the 2-1 win anyway. Despite doing all of their scoring in the first frame, the Demons held on late, thanks in part to big defensive plays like a double play in the fifth with nobody out and two runners in scoring position. Washington truly tight-roped out of danger by stranding the bases loaded in the final inning.
Colbie Greiner had an RBI base hit in Game Two but was more key to the Washington win because of her pitching. In a complete-game victory, the freshman allowed only the one run on seven hits and struck out six. Demons coach Lauren Obermann told KCII Sports after the win that winning that sort of game is proof of how far this team has come.
“Colbie really battled there at the end [and] I’m really proud of her,” Obermann said. “Super proud of us there for the ending, super happy to come over here and get a sweep. We really battled and I’m super proud of how the outcome came.”
With a pair of wins last night, the Demons improve to 6-1. Washington is back in action tonight and looking for a series sweep of their Southeast Conference rivals from Mount Pleasant.