Carson-Newman has split three straight SAC series. The Eagles have been sensational in game ones of late. Carson-Newman has pitched a shutout in the first game of each of their last three doubleheaders and four of their last five.
However, the Eagles have allowed 23 runs in the second game of their last three doubleheaders en route to three consecutive doubleheader splits. That includes 10 runs scored by Wingate between the sixth and seventh innings of game two Saturday.
Tusculum has faced its own struggles this season. At one point this year, the Pioneers lost 14 of 15 games, with a 9-1 run-rule win over Brevard, the lone victory in a 20-day stretch.
Tusculum is last in the league with a .261 batting average. TC is also last in the league in total bases and slugging percentage. Meanwhile their pitching staff has given up a .328 average, which is the highest average against in the conference.
Robin Stoner and Carolyn Williamson have the top bats in the order for the Pioneers. Stoner hits .312 and has 32 runs batted in. Williamson has a .311 average with five doubles and a SAC-best five triples. Williamson leads the team in SAC games with a .368 average.
Tusculum, a small-ball team, has only hit seven home runs this season and just three in South Atlantic Conference play. The Pioneers have produced 36 sacrifice hits this season – ranking in the top half of the conference.
Among the pitching staff, Cayla Cecil leads the team with a 3.24 ERA and an 8-6 record. She's only given up three home runs in 119.0 innings pitched. However, the opposition is hitting .319 off her.
A fast start has predicated the Eagles success this season. C-N is 0-9 when its opponent scores in the first inning. Conversely, the Eagles are 12-5 when scoring in the first inning and 20-6 when scoring first.
First pitch between the Eagles and Pioneers is set for 3 p.m. with coverage available on the Eagle Sports Network with a free audio stream at cneagles.com/live.
