March 11, 2008
Monarchs Win Two in First Action at Home
Senior Rebekah Kelly went 5-for-5 from the plate

FAYETTEVILLE, NC- Methodist enjoyed two wins over Swarthmore in their first action at home this season. The Monarchs move to 12-4 overall while Swarthmore starts the season 0-2.

Senior Rebekah Kelly led off the bottom of the first with a bunt single down the first base line. Sophomore Megan Hutson sacrificed her to second with a bunt. Freshman Jody Eyler drew the walk and junior Kayla Talbert hit a double into right field for both runs to score. The Monarchs scored another two runs in the third inning when Kelly led off with a single through the left side of the infield. She stole second and sophomore Crystal Metzger's reached on a throwing error that allowed Kelly to score. Metzger moved to second on a passed ball and scored on Talbert's single to left center. The Monarchs added a run in the sixth when Talbert singled through the left side. Junior Sara Poling put down the sacrifice bunt and pinch runner freshman Courtney Blann was able move to third on a ground out from freshman Kayla McLean. Blann scored on freshman Darci Martin's double to left field. Junior pitcher Lesley Hewitt pitched the complete game shutout for her sixth win this season. She gave up just four hits while striking out six.

Swarthmore held the Monarchs scoreless through the first two innings, but Kelly started out a two out rally in the bottom of the third with a single through the right side. She advanced to second on a wild pitch and scored on Metzger's single up the middle for the 1-0 lead. McLean gave Methodist the two run advantage on a lead off home run in the bottom of the fourth. The Monarchs put together a string of hits sparked by Hutson's double down the left field line. Freshman Tabatha Stephenson sacrificed Hutson to third and Kelly's bunt allowed Hutson to score. The Garnet cut the lead to one run in the top of the sixth on two hits and two Methodist errors. The Monarchs cushioned their lead in the bottom of the inning when Eyler singled through the right side. Blann came into run and advanced to second on an error off of Hutson's fielder's choice. Stephenson put down the bunt single to load the bases and Kelly's sacrifice fly allowed Blann to score. Sophomore Emily Beck picked up the win in six innings pitched while Hewitt earned the save. Beck struck out five while giving up three hits and one earned run.

Methodist will compete in the Ferrum Invitational on Saturday and Sunday.

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