Wednesday, April 13, 2005

#10 SAINTS AND #22 LADY FLAMES SPLIT SOFTBALL DOUBLE HEADER

Dahlonega, Ga. – In two key games that had conference, regional, and national implications, 10th ranked North Georgia College & State University and 22nd ranked Lee University split an evening double header at the NGCSU Softball Complex.

Game 1

The Saints (32-13, 20-2) got a quick run on the board in the first inning after junior shortstop Lynsey Thompson (Dacula, Ga.) doubled in freshman center fielder Brittany Cobb (Oxford, Ga.). The Lady Flames (32-10, 17-3) tied the game in the fourth inning after junior catcher Katie Rominger (Cleveland, Tenn.) singled in senior second baseman Heidi Hamilton (Chattanooga, Tenn.).

North Georgia loaded the bases in the fourth inning, but junior starting pitcher Charli Duff (Lone Grove, Okla.) worked out of the jam to keep the game tied at 1-1. The Saints put two runners on in the fifth and scored a run off of a bunt from freshman third baseman Brittany Barnes (Lawrenceville, Ga.). A bunt single by freshman left fielder Michelle Brock (Loganville, Ga.) scored the third run for North Georgia in the inning. The Saints threatened to break the game wide open with the bases loaded, but Duff was able to work out of the jam with only two runs scored.

LC had runners on the bases in both the six and seventh innings but were unable to capitalize as senior starting pitcher Beth Willis (Williamson, Ga.) was able to close out the game for the win.

Willis pitched a one run complete game and allowed only four hits while striking out five batters. Duff took the loss after going six innings and allowing three earned runs off of ten hits and striking out seven batters. Duff fell to 9-7 seven on the season while Willis improved to 21-4.

Game 1 Box Score

Game 2

In a pitcher's dual that lasted extra innings, the Lady Flames came out on top with a 4-0 win in the second game of the double header.

Both teams allowed only two hits for the first seven innings of play as LU senior starter Jessica Pike (Montoursville, Pa.) and Saints sophomore reliever Danielle Rainey (Lawrenceville, Ga.) battled on the mound. In the eighth inning, the Lady Flames finally broke through with four runs off of five hits. Freshman first baseman Caryn Hill (Vienna, Ill.) singled with one out to start the rally and later scored with two other base runners off of a three RBI double by Hamilton. Hamilton touched home after sophomore third baseman JaAndrea Hinton (Chattanooga, Tenn.) singled to drive in the final run.

North Georgia threatened in the bottom half of the inning after junior first baseman Lara Seamon (Richfield Springs, N.Y.) doubled, but Seamon was stranded at second as Pike closed out the game.

Pike, 13-2 overall, pitched the complete game shutout and allowed only three hits and struck out four. Rainey picked up the loss and falls to 4-6 after going three and two-thirds of an inning and allowing two earned runs off of two hits.

The Saints will play again Friday at 5:00 p.m. as they host Shorter College. LU will also play Friday as they take on Georgia Southwestern State University on the road at 5:00 p.m.

Game 2 Box Score