Tigers take one at Citrus Classic

By: Payam Agha-Ghassem

After postponing their home-opener and home tournament last Tuesday due to the weather, the Tigers (6-3) scheduled a last-minute trip to Orlando, Florida to take part in the Citrus Classic. The Tigers salvaged the weekend with an 8-4 win over the Miami (Ohio) Redhawks after losses to the Georgia Bulldogs and the UAB Blazers.

“It was important for us to get that win so we can have something to reflect positively on,” senior infielder Hailey Balk said. “I think the two losses put us down, but the win got us out of that negativity.”

The Tigers were downed by the Bulldogs, 16-0, on Friday and fell to the Blazers, 9-0, on Saturday. Despite the shutouts, the team got its offense going against the Redhawks (7-4).

The Tigers got things going early when pitcher Missy McCormick hit a three-run home run to left field to give her team a 3-0 lead in the first inning. The senior went 3-for-4 in the game and improved her average on the season to .357.

“I was seeing the ball really well and I’m glad we ended on a good note as team,” McCormick said.

McCormick also contributed on the mound, throwing a complete game, allowing three earned runs and striking out six. She improved to 4-1 this season.

Towson extended its lead over the Redhawks to 6-0 in the third inning with the help of an RBI double by sophomore infielder Holiday Cahill.

The Redhawks responded with two runs of their own in the fourth inning after a two-run home run by senior outfielder Bree Lipscomb.

The Tigers added a run in the fifth and sixth inning to take an 8-2 lead.

The Redhawks rallied for two runs in the seventh inning, but McCormick secured the win on a flyout by Lipscomb.

“As a team captain, I knew I had the responsibility of helping to turn the weekend around,” McCormick said. “I wanted to perform well for my team and have a championship attitude.”

The two final games of the Citrus Classic were cancelled due to the weather.

The weather has not been kind to the Tigers so far this season. Fourteen games have been cancelled or postponed due to inclement weather.

The team heads to Fairfax, Virginia on Wednesday for a doubleheader against the George Mason Patriots. First pitch is set for 2:30 p.m.

The Tigers then return home for what they hope is their first home game. They’ll be hosting the Tiger Clash this weekend and are slated to play five games. They take on the Delaware State Hornets on Friday at 3:30 p.m.

“Hopefully the weather holds up and actually lets us play,” Balk said. “I can’t wait to get on that field for the first time. It’s always exciting when you make history.”