WILSON, N.C. – The University of South Carolina Aiken softball team split a pair of games at Barton Thursday. The squad lost the first game 4-2 before winning the second contest 6-0.
The Pacers are now 17-11-1 on the season.
Trailing 2-0 in the top of the third,
Julianne Leduc was hit by a pitch as was
Sarah Timmerman.
Brielle Jungblut laid down a sacrifice bunt, pushing runners to second and third. However, back-to-back groundouts ended the threat.
Down 4-0 in the fifth, Jungblut got things going with two down. She singled and swiped second base. Jungblut raced home when
Sydney Kate Murphy singled to center field.
Chandler Terrapin followed her with a single, allowing Murphy to score.
Head coach
Jerry Snyder's team made it interesting in the seventh.
Courtney Strauss led things off with a pinch hit single. With one down, Jungblut singled. A fielder's choice kept runners on first and second with two away. However, a deep fly ball ended the game.
For the game, Jungblut and Murphy had two hits apiece.
In the second game, Terrapin tossed a shutout for the 6-0 win.
Jungblut led off the game with an infield single and showed off her speed with a steal of second base. An infield single pushed her to third base. Jungblut raced home for a 1-0 edge on
Hannah Price's single through the left side.
The score remained 1-0 until the fourth.
Magan Jean Thrower walked and moved to third on Strauss' double.
Hayley Elkins hit a shot into right center field, allowing Thrower to come home on the sacrifice fly.
The Bulldogs had two runners on in the bottom of the sixth, but Terrapin managed to get out of the frame unscathed.
In the seventh, USC Aiken added four insurance runs. Elkins led off the last inning with a double to right center field.
Leah Boghosian singled to center field and moved to second on the throw. Jungblut's single loaded the bases.
With one down, Terrapin worked the count full and fouled off multiple pitches. However, she found a pitch she liked and blasted a grand slam down the left field line for the 6-0 margin.
For the game, Terrapin had three this. Jungblut, Price, Thrower and Strauss notched two hits apiece. Jungblut led everyone with two runs scored.
In the circle, Terrapin struck out five batters in the complete-game effort. She gave up seven hits but did not walk anyone in the win.
The Pacers return to action Saturday when they host Columbus State at 2 p.m. Live stats and video will be available at PacerSports.com.
