Lady Royals Sweep Doubleheader Over Bluefield
The Lady Royals put together a strong all-around performance on Wednesday, sweeping a doubleheader against Bluefield (VA) with a 2-0 shutout in game one followed by an 8-7 extra-inning thriller in game two.
Johnson relied on a dominant outing in the circle from Alyssa Nicely in game one, as she tossed a complete-game shutout while allowing just three hits and striking out eight. The offense struck early when Autumn Caywood delivered an RBI single in the first inning to score Audrey Moorhouse. The Lady Royals added another run in the fourth inning as Madison Hood brought Caywood home with an RBI single.
Caywood led the way offensively, going 2-for-3 with an RBI and a run scored, while Hood added an RBI of her own. Johnson finished with seven hits and played error-free defense behind Nicely's strong performance.
Game two turned into a back-and-forth battle, but the Lady Royals came through when it mattered most. Trailing 7-3 heading into the bottom of the seventh, Johnson rallied for four runs to tie the game. Kadie Presley sparked the comeback with a two-run home run, followed by RBI hits from Megan Armstrong and Adelaide Hubbard to even the score.
In the eighth inning, the Lady Royals secured the win as Audrey Moorhouse crossed the plate on a passed ball, completing the walk-off victory and the sweep.
Johnson's offense was dominant in game two, recording 17 hits. Moorhouse went a perfect 5-for-5 with three runs scored, while Presley added three hits and two RBIs. Caywood also contributed with a home run and two hits in the win.
In the circle, Madisun Pritchard delivered a strong relief performance, throwing four innings and allowing just two runs, none of them earned, to keep Johnson within reach and set up the comeback victory.
With the sweep, the Lady Royals build momentum as they continue conference play.