D 3 softball

[WLCALUM83]

A bases-loaded 2 out chance  for TLU goes begging when Hull gets Hernandez to ground out. Can't say the chance wasn't there.

[deiscanton]

Top of 2nd with 2 out

Texas Lutheran then hit 3 straight singles to load the bases, but could not score.

Middle of 2nd-- It is still Virginia Wesleyan 2, Texas Lutheran 0

[deiscanton]

Bottom of 2nd 2 out-- Virginia Wesleyan has a runner on first.

Pitching change for Texas Lutheran--

Sydney Ouellette relieves Ashlyn Strother.

[deiscanton]

Ariana Rolle caught attempting to steal second base to end the second inning.

[WLCALUM83]

TLU's going for broke, but already trailing against a pitcher like Hull, you don't wait around.

[deiscanton]

Bottom of third, 1 out

Virginia Wesleyan 4, Texas Lutheran 0

2 RBI single by Katelyn Biando with the bases loaded.

Update-- with 2 out, an RBI single by Julie Fassl makes it Virginia Wesleyan 5, Texas Lutheran 0

Biando got tagged out at home and the third inning ends.

After 3 innings, Marlins lead, 5-0

Marlins scored 3 runs in the bottom of the third on 3 hits.  There was 1 Bulldog error, and 2 runners LOB.

[deiscanton]

Bottom of 4th, 1 out

Virginia Wesleyan 6, Texas Lutheran 0 on an RBI sacrifice bunt by Julia Sinnett.  Sinnett reached first base on a fielders's choice when the attempt to tag Ariana Rolle out at the plate did not succeed.  Rolle scored the 6th run.

Update-- with 2 out, Danielle Stewart hits a 2 run homer to make it Virginia Wesleyan 8, Texas Lutheran 0.

Further update-- The 8 run rule is in effect.  Virginia Wesleyan is 3 outs away from a national title when we get to the top of the 5th.

[WLCALUM83]

The Marlins just will not be denied. Between their timely hitting and strong pitching,) barring a furious rally) methinks they've just about got this.
(TLU's got several reserves in to give them some playing time.)

[deiscanton]

After 4 innings

Virginia Wesleyan 8, Texas Lutheran 0  Marlins are 3 outs away from victory-- TLU must score a run in the top of the 5th to extend this game.

Marlins scored 3 runs on 3 hits in the bottom of the 4th-- no TLU errors-- no runners LOB.

[deiscanton]

This game will go to the bottom of the fifth, as TLU is on the board.

Virginia Wesleyan 8, Texas Lutheran 1 with 2 out in the top of the fifth.

3 wild pitches by Hanna Hull helped to extend this game.  The umpire has just called Hull for her 5th illegal pitch of the game as well.

We go to the bottom of the fifth, with the Marlins only needing to score 1 run to win this game by the 8 run rule.

In the top of the 5th, TLU scored 1 run on 1 hit.  No Marlin errors. 1 LOB.

[deiscanton]

Bottom of the fifth--

Fretz singles for the Marlins.  The potential walk off run is on first.

D'Arco pinch running for Fretz.  A SAC bunt advances D'Arco to scoring position on second.  1 out bottom of 5th.

D'Arco advances to third on a passed ball. 

[deiscanton]

Final of Game 3-- Championship Series

Virginia Wesleyan 9, Texas Lutheran 1  (F/5 inn-- 8 run rule)

1 out when walk off run scored.

Congratulations to the Virginia Wesleyan Marlins-- 2021 NCAA DIII Softball National Champions

[WLCALUM83]

Final of Game 3-- Championship Series

Virginia Wesleyan 9, Texas Lutheran 1  (F/5 inn-- 8 run rule)

1 out when walk off run scored.

Congratulations to the Virginia Wesleyan Marlins-- 2021 NCAA DIII Softball Champions

I second those congratulations!  (With the obvious "Queen" song, and/or Steely Dan's "Time Out of Mind" or other pertinent song playing. . . )

[Caz Bombers]

Interesting that the run rule is not waived in the national finals. It isn't used in OKC for the 3-game title series.

[justafan12]

Interesting that the run rule is not waived in the national finals. It isn't used in OKC for the 3-game title series.

Run rule question came up in 2016 as well and after conferring with NCAA folks umps said the run rule is in effect.  Final was 7-0 so it did not come in to play.