AIKEN, S.C. – The University of South Carolina Aiken softball team swept Erskine by scores of 3-2 and 8-3 Thursday evening in a non-conference showdown.
The Pacers are now 22-22-1 on the season.
Head coach
Jerry Snyder's team started game one by getting a runner on third base in each of the first two innings. However, the squad could not push across a run until the third frame.
In the third,
Julianne Leduc singled and promptly swiped second base.
Brielle Jungblut ripped a double to center field and moved to third on a fielding error. She was credited with one RBI as Leduc was able to trot home for the 1-0 advantage.
Courtney Strauss laid down a sacrifice bunt that allowed Jungblut to score for a 2-0 lead.
The Flying Fleet managed to tie the game in the top of the fourth on a two-run homer. The teams remained tied despite USC Aiken having ample opportunities to take the lead in the fourth. With two down, Leduc and Jungblut each singled. After a pitching change, the Pacers were quickly retired.
Erskine had a leadoff double in the top of the seventh, but
Chandler Terrapin registered two groundouts and a strikeout to end the threat.
In the bottom of the seventh, Leduc continued her strong outing with a 1-0 single to left center field.
Lyndie Dorgan came in as a pinch runner and hustled to third on Jungblut's sacrifice to third base. With two down,
Sydney Kate Murphy ripped a 2-2 pitch to right field. Although the ball was bobbled, Dorgan easily crossed home with an errant throw for a 3-2 victory.
For the game, Jungblut and Leduc were each three-for-three at the plate.
Terrapin worked a complete game for the win. She struck out five and gave up just four hits and a walk in the contest.
In the second game, USC Aiken took a 1-0 lead in the first. Jungblut singled to left and swiped second. She moved to third when Murphy laid down a beautiful sacrifice bunt.
Hannah Price took a two-strike pitch to right field, allowing Jungblut to sprint home for the advantage.
Tied at 1-1 in the bottom of the second,
Hayley Elkins drew a leadoff walk and advanced to second on a wild pitch. Jungblut doubled to left center to put runners on second and third. The two were able to trot home when Murphy blasted a three-run homer over the left center field wall for a 4-1 edge.
Price followed Murphy up with a single. She moved to second on Terrapin's walk.
Magan Jean Thrower's groundout allowed each runner to advance 60 feet.
Kristan Lowery singled home both for a 6-1 margin.
Leading 6-3 in the bottom of the sixth, Price reached on a fielding error. With one down, Thrower singled to center field and was substituted by
Courtney Strauss on the bases. A wild pitch allowed both to move up 60 feet.
Lyndie Dorgan helped her own cause, singling to left field, allowing Price to score for a 7-3 advantage. A wild pitch allowed Strauss to scamper home for the 8-3 score.
For the game, Dorgan had three hits and one RBI. Jungblut, Lowery, Price and Thrower had two hits apiece. Murphy led everyone with three RBI while Lowery had two.
In the circle, Dorgan tossed a complete game. She struck out four batters in the victory.
The Pacers return to action tomorrow when they play at Lander. Live stats and video will be available at PacerSports.com.
