DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (UCFKnights.com) - UCF sophomore Cassady Brewer picked up five hits and drove in four runs to help the Knights record a doubleheader sweep at Bethune-Cookman Wednesday. The Knights took the first contest 6-1 before holding on for 5-4 victory in the second matchup at Sunnyland Park.
Senior Brittany Solis tallied four hits in the two games, including her second-career triple for the Knights (27-21). Three hits - all doubles - were registered by senior Linnea Goodman, who increased her team lead in doubles to 15.
A win and save was recorded by freshman Alea White, who struck out her third batter of the day with the game-tying run at second base in the bottom of the seventh inning. The victory in game two against Bethune-Cookman (21-31) was picked up by senior Manami Calixto. The Curitiba, Brazil, native moved to 5-3 on the season after tossing two innings of relief.
Game One: UCF 6, Bethune-Cookman 1
Brewer tallied a 3-for-4 performance and drove in three runs to aid the Knights to a 6-1 victory at Bethune-Cookman. Solis tied a career-high with three hits and scored twice.
The Knights jumped on the Wildcats with a three-run first inning. Run-scoring singles were delivered by senior Willow Kalinen and Brewer, while junior Courtney Rotton added an RBI groundout.
Freshman Alea White went the distance to notch her 17th victory of the season. The Land O'Lakes, Fla., native fanned a pair and only allowed one run, while scattering five hits.
After a leadoff triple down the right field line by Solis in the fourth inning, the West Hills, Calif., native extended the advantage 4-1 by crossing the plate on a two-out wild pitch.
UCF capped the scoring with a two-run sixth inning. A bunt single by Solis started the frame, then freshman pinch hitter Ali Little drew a walk. Brewer brought both runners in on a single through the left side, 6-1.
Behind the plate, Brewer also erased a pair of runners on a pickoff at first base and caught stealing at second base.
Game Two: UCF 5, Bethune-Cookman 4
Freshman Jazmine Esparza started the sixth inning with a solo home run to spark the Knights to a three-run frame that proved to be the difference in the 5-4 victory. The Wildcats answered with a pair of runs of their own in the bottom-half.
With two runners on and two outs in the bottom of the seventh, White notched a strikeout to clinch the victory. The save was the second of the campaign for the freshman.
The Knights started freshman Kamryn Toney, who yielded two runs over three innings and struck out three Wildcats. Calixto (5-3) was credited with the victory after fanning one over two frames. One inning of relief was also tossed by freshman Damara Begin.
The trio of Goodman, Brewer and Esparza each picked up two hits. Goodman drove in the eventual game-winning run on a two-RBI double to left, capping the three-run sixth frame.
After Esparza started the second inning with a single up the middle, she moved to second on a sac bunt by Solis, then scored on a base knock from freshman Aubrey Johnson.
UCF turned its 21st double play of the season to end the four frame. Solis at short dove to catch a sinking liner and flipped to second baseman Johnson to complete the play.
Next Up
UCF concludes the regular season with a series at Tulsa. The three-game set starts on Friday at 6 p.m. ET on The American Digital Network.
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