Big 2nd inning helps Chargers split DH at DuPage

GALESBURG — A huge second inning in Game 2 helped the Carl Sandburg College softball team salvage a split in a doubleheader Sunday at DuPage. That came after the Chargers traveled to face Highland on Saturday in an Arrowhead Conference twinbill.

SATURDAY
Game 1
Highland 12, Sandburg 11
Sandburg         146      000      0          —        11        14        2
Highland          301      014      3          —        12        14        5
L: Ailexa Hunter 1.1 IP, 0 K, 0 BB

KEY MOMENTS
• The Chargers jumped to an early 11-3 lead, capped by a six-run third inning. Sandburg had five hits in the frame, including a two-run hit by Ailexa Hunter followed by a RBI single from Maleaha Nagel
• Highland chipped away with a run in the third, another in the fifth and four in the sixth before plating three in the bottom of the seventh for a walkoff victory.

SANDBURG STANDOUT
Center fielder Bailey Ryan was 2 for 4 with two runs scored and three driven in along with a stolen base. Ryan punctuated her effort with a two-run homer in the second for a 5-3 lead.

OTHER TOP CHARGERS
• Hunter: 2 for 4, two runs, RBI, two stolen bases
• Nagel: 3 for 4, two RBIs, stolen base
• Alexis Brammeier: 3 for 4, two runs

Game 2
Highland 9, Sandburg 1
Sandburg         000      020      0          —        2          8          2
Highland          021      042      x          —        9          13        0
L: Hunter 4.2 IP, 0 K, 2 BB

KEY MOMENT
Sandburg got on the board in the fifth as Nagel scored on a passed ball, and Abbi Sammons drove in a run with a single to right field. Highland answered back with four two-out runs in the bottom half to push its lead to 7-2.

SANDBURG STANDOUTS
Shortstop Kaitlyn Egenes collected a pair of hits in three at-bats, including a double. Jaycee Craig also finished 2 for 3 at the dish.

SUNDAY
Game 1
DuPage 14, Sandburg 4 (5 innings)
Sandburg         022      00        —        4          6          5
DuPage            700      7x        —        14        15        0
L: Mary Hellige 4 IP, 1 K, 4 BB

KEY MOMENT
The Chapparals didn't look back after sending 13 batters to the plate and banging out seven singles in a seven-run first inning.

SANDBURG STANDOUT
Catcher Olivia Lewis was a perfect 2 for 2 with an RBI and run scored.

OTHER TOP CHARGERS
• Nagel: Solo home run

Game 2
Sandburg 9, DuPage 5 (5 innings)
Sandburg         180      00        —        9          6          0
DuPage            102      20        —        5          11        1
L: Nagel 3.1 IP, 1 K, 3 BB

KEY MOMENT
An eight-run second lifted the Chargers to an early 9-1 advantage. Sandburg had its first seven batters reach safely and had four hits in the inning.

SANDBURG STANDOUT
Left fielder Elly Bentley scored twice out of the leadoff spot. The sophomore finished 1 for 2, drew a walk and drove in a run.

UP NEXT
3 p.m. Monday vs. Kankakee 

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