Demons bounce back in Game 2

BURLINGTON — Washington’s offense just couldn’t get going against Burlington’s Saydee Plummer in Game 1 of a Southeast Conference softball doubleheader on Thursday night, so it was good news for the visiting Demoms that Game 2 was on the horizon.

After faltering 2-0 in Game 1, Washington piled up the runs in Game 2, winning 7-3.

Washington’s Halle Cuddeback winds up for a pitch during Game 2 of the Demons’ Southeast Conference split against Burlington on Thursday night. (Andy Krutsinger/The Union)

Bella Salazar pitched a gem in Game 1, but it went to waste as the Demons couldn’t figure out Plummer. Burlington scored once in the first and once in the fifth, and that’s all the Grayhounds would need.

Washington’s only two hits of the game came in the seventh inning. Ella Greiner broke up the no-hit bid with a single, and Salazar followed with a hit of her own to put two on with nobody out, but the Demons couldn’t capitalize.

“I told the girls after the game, obviously Plummer is a really good pitcher,” said Washington head coach Ben Obermann. “We have to stay true to our approaches, stick with the process, and eventually we're going to get it going on offense.”

Washington’s Ella Greiner gets ready to connect on a pitch during a Game 2 victory over Burlington on Thursday night. (Andy Krutsinger/The Union)

And get it going they would. The Demons collected 12 hits in the second game and scored all seven runs in the first four innings.

The two teams were knotted up at 1-1 after one. Leighton Salazar singled and scored in the opening frame, but the Grayhounds responded with one of their own in the bottom half.

In the fourth, the Demon bats exploded. Washington batted around in a big offensive frame, which was highlighted by a two-run double from Greiner.

Burlington attempted to stage a comeback against Washington starter Halle Cuddeback, plating one run in the fifth and one in the seventh, but the Cuddeback clutched up and left two Grayhounds stranded in a four-run victory.

Washington’s Lauren Henriksen stretches to record an out in the Demons’ Game 2 victory over Burlington on Thursday night. (Andy Krutsinger/The Union)

“I didn't feel the best,” said Cuddeback. “I've been having some shoulder pain, but I knew I had the defense behind me to get a win.”

Cuddeback threw 108 pitches and struck out two Burlington batters over seven innings, as she and the Demons defeated the Grayhounds for the first time in four tries.

“We knew that we could beat Burlington, but it didn't happen last time,” Cuddeback said. “After game one (today), we knew we had to get the split.”

Washington’s Emmy Wenger throws out a Burlington runner from third base on Thursday night. (Andy Krutsinger/The Union)

Greiner finished the game 2-for-3 with a double and two RBis. Leighton Salazar went 2-for-4 with an RBI and two runs scored. Haley Mitchell was 2-for-4 with an RBI, and both Ava Turner and Lauren Hinrichsen knocked in a run.

Washington is now 8-15 overall and 5-7 in SEC play. The Demons will play at Mt. Pleasant (0-12, 2-16) on Monday.