Friday, March 3, 2006

SAINTS AND BRAVES SPLIT DOUBLE HEADER

Carrollton, Ga. – North Georgia College & State University rallied from a 3-2 deficit to win game one 5-4 over the University of West Georgia while the Braves took game two 4-1 in softball action Wednesday afternoon at Oil Park.

In game one, the Saints (4-2) gave up three runs in the third inning to UWG (5-9) to fall behind 3-1. North Georgia cut the margin to one run in the fifth inning before taking the lead with three runs in the sixth inning. Sophomore left fielder Krista Bess accounted for all five of the Saints runs after hitting a perfect 3-3 at the plate, blasting her first homer of the season, driving in three runs, and scoring two more.

Junior reliever Dana Lowery (3-1) pitched three strong innings of relief and set down the final 10 batters she faced to pick up her third win of the season. Freshman starter Kacie Crider took the loss after throwing six innings and allowing three earned runs and striking out nine batters.

In game two, North Georgia took an early 1-0 lead in the second inning after freshman designated player Meigan Grimm hit an RBI double to bring in sophomore second baseman Brittany Barnes. Barnes hit a perfect 3-3 in the second game to lead the Saints at the plate.

The Braves struck right back with four runs in the bottom of the second. Junior right fielder Celia Petty went 3-4 and scored one run with a pair of RBI’s. Sophomore second baseman Adrienne Clay also slapped in a pair of runs in the second inning with her only hit of the day.

The four runs was all that was needed as junior starter Kate Thompson pitched 5 2/3 innings and struck out five while scattering seven hits. Freshman reliever Alana Bailey picked up the save as she closed out the game with 1 1/3 innings of work. Sophomore starter Rachel Bridges (1-1) took the loss after pitching a complete game and allowing four earned runs off of seven hits while striking out three.

North Georgia will be back in action on Saturday as they take on Erskine College on the road. The Saints will head back home on Sunday to face Anderson College at 1:00 p.m. The Braves will play again today as they take on Bluefield College at 2:00 p.m. in Carrollton.

Box Score, Game 1

Box Score, Game 2

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