AIKEN, S.C. – The University of South Carolina Aiken softball team used a five-run second inning and fended off Augusta by a score of 6-5 in the final game of the three-game series.
The Pacers are now 24-16 on the season, including 9-9 in league play.
Head coach
Jaclin Poole's team broke open the scoreless game in the second inning.
Skylar Morley started the frame off with a single to left field before swiping second base. After a walk to
Chloe Phillips,
Taylor Butts was hit by a pitch to load the bases.
Ashlyn White drew a walk, plating Morley.
Jena Dewalt singled home
Chloe Phillips and Butts for a 3-0 advantage.
With two outs and
Ashlyn White on third base, Dixon unleashed a towering fly ball that cleared the left field fence for a round-tripper, giving the visitors a 5-0 lead.
USC Aiken pushed the margin to 6-0 in the third frame. With one down, Morley ripped a base hit to center field and hustled to second on
Chloe Phillips' base knock to left field. Butts laid down a beautiful sacrifice bunt, sending both runners into scoring position. White singled home Morley for the six-run score.
The Jaguars plated a run in the bottom of the third and the score remained the same until AU scored four runs in the sixth to make it 6-5.
Payton Baker worked 5.1 innings and secured the win. She had a pair of strikeouts.
Lakyn Phillips came in and picked up the save after throwing 1.2 frames. The Jaguars managed to get a runner on first base in the seventh, but a pop-up to Butts and a fly ball to Morley concluded the contest. Baker notched the win while
Lakyn Phillips' garnered the save, moving her into a tie for first place in school history for career saves.
For the game, Morley led the way with three hits. Dewalt and Dixon accounted for two hits apiece and had two RBI each. Dixon crushed a round-tripper while Dewalt doubled. Morley scored twice while Butts, Dixon,
Chloe Phillips and White crossed home plate. Dewalt also swiped two bases and Morley had one steal.
The Pacers return to action Saturday when they play a doubleheader at Flagler starting at 12 p.m. Live stats and video will be available at PacerSports.com.
