STATESBORO, Ga. – Georgia Southern overcame an early 2-0 deficit and took advantage of three UNCG errors to score five unearned runs as the Eagles completed a three-game sweep of the Spartans on Saturday with a 7-2 win.
Defense was a problem for UNCG (19-27, 7-11 Southern Conference) for the entire series, as the Spartans also committed six errors in Friday's doubleheader.
The Spartans jumped out to a 2-0 lead after two innings Saturday. After Heather Robb's one out single in the second, Katie Stripling drew a walk. Eileen Horsmon then singled to right field to score Robb with UNCG's first run of the day. Freshman Aisha Figueroa followed with an infield single to score Stripling and stake UNCG starter Raeanne Hanks to the 2-0 advantage.
The Eagles (28-24, 16-5 SoCon) quickly got the runs back, plating a pair of unearned runs in the bottom half of the frame. After Mackenzie Williams doubled to lead off the frame, Kayla Brooks singled to put runners on the corners. Pinch-runner Breigh Findlay scored from third on a passed ball, and one out later, Brooks came in on the first of UNCG's three miscues on the afternoon.
GSU took the lead the following inning, getting another unearned run when Hanna Ennis scored on a dropped throw at the plate.
UNCG had a solid scoring opportunity in the fourth, but the Eagles got a double play to end the inning and escape unharmed. Robb and Stripling were again the catalysts, as Robb reached on an error to lead off and Stripling laid down a bunt to move her over. Robb was able to beat the throw to second and Stripling was on at first, putting the Spartans in business.
Brianna Streetmon struck out the next batter, however, and got a popup from Figueroa that was caught on the infield. Third baseman Andrea Tarashuk then fired across the diamond to double Stripling off first and end the threat.
The Eagles added two more unearned runs in the fourth on Ennis' two-run double, then tacked on two more in the fifth on Tarashuk's infield single and Jorie Walker's fielder's choice. They were the first two earned runs of the game for GSU.
Robb was 2-for-3 to lead the Spartans at the plate, while Brooks was 3-for-3 with two runs scored to pace the Eagles.
Streetmon took the no-decision after earning the Senior Day start, allowing two runs on three hits in three innings. Freshman Allie Miles (14-7) closed out the game, picking up the win with four innings of scoreless ball.
Hanks (4-3) took the loss, allowing three unearned runs on three hits in 2 1/3 innings. Josie Felix allowed two unearned runs on four hits in 1 2/3 innings, while Cory Mattson finished out the game, allowing two runs on three hits in two innings.
UNCG returns to action on Wednesday at North Carolina A&T for its final nonconference games of the season. First pitch for the doubleheader is slated for 2 p.m.
AGATE
Georgia Southern 7, UNCG 2 (Apr 23, 2011 at Statesboro, Ga.)
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UNCG................ 020 000 0 - 2 5 3 (19-27, 7-11 SoCon)
Georgia Southern.... 021 220 X - 7 10 2 (28-24, 16-5 SoCon)
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Pitchers: UNCG - Raeanne Hanks; Josie Felix(3); Cory Mattson(5). Georgia Southern - Brianna Streetmon; Allie Miles(4).
Win-Allie Miles(14-7) Loss-Raeanne Hanks(4-3) T-1:55 A-234
- UNCG -
