Errors cost the Terrapins softball team in two losses on the second day of the Citrus Classic in Kissimmee, Fla.
The Terps (1-18) had five errors in a 16-3 defeat against No. 25 Auburn in Game 1. With the Terps trailing 1-0 in the third inning, the Tigers capitalized on an error by scoring four runs.
Auburn broke the game open in the fifth, scoring 11 runs on seven hits. Errors by infielders Corey Schwartz and Kylie Datil gave the Tigers extra outs to work with. With additional opportunities at the plate, Auburn put the game completely out of reach, causing the game to end in five innings because of the mercy rule.
The mercy rule was also applied in the Terps’ second game against No. 4 Oregon. Three errors allowed the Ducks to score three or more runs in each of the first three innings on their way to a 10-2 victory.
The Terps offense continued to struggle at the plate this weekend, combining for five runs on six hits. They have yet to score more than three runs and have a tournament record of 0-4 because of it.
On a positive note, Datil hit the Terps second home run of the season against Auburn. In the fourth inning, the freshman launched a two-run bomb over the left field fence for her first career home run.
After starting both games yesterday, infielder Mandy Gardner did not play Saturday. Infielder Lindsey Schmeiser, who has been one of the top hitters for the Terps, has yet to see the field this weekend.
The Terps close out the tournament tomorrow at 10 a.m. against No. 1 Florida.
