Bucs resilient win in walk-off fashion forces split with Gardner-Webb

JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (WCYB) — Following a tough 11-2 loss in the first game of a double-header on Tuesday afternoon in Johnson City, ETSU softball found its dramatic side in a resilient win to end the day and force a split over Gardner-Webb.

And it was done in walk-off fashion.

In a game that would go extra innings, the Bucs battled back in the ninth after going down a run. That's when a Riley Nayadley infield single would tie the game at four - opening the door for Taylor Suchy. For the second time this season, Suchy delivered a walk-off hit on a single to score Jasmine Sanchez.

This was the third time in the game that the Bucs rallied from being down. They tallied one run in the third after being down 1-0, and then followed that up with two runs in the sixth inning after the Bulldogs retook the lead in the top half of the inning on a home run.

With the Bucs offense coming through in the clutch, freshman pitcher Cameron Lauretta went the distance for her first collegiate victory. Lauretta (1-2) allowed four runs (one earned) on six hits in nine innings of work.

The Bucs now get back into the conference slate - playing host to Western Carolina to continue their homestand. The teams will play a doubleheader Saturday starting at 1 p.m., while Sunday’s finale is also slated for 1 p.m. at Betty Basler Field.