AMERICUS – Georgia Southwestern was at home on Saturday afternoon to take on Peach Belt opponent Francis Marion Patriots. The Lady 'Canes split the day with the Patriots. The Lady 'Canes had a big featured moment by Keri Tompkins who hit a grand slam in the fourth inning of the second game to bring the 'Canes up by seven.
GAME 1: FMU 3 GSW 2
Francis Marion was off to an early start when Ashley Burney, the fourth baseman, hit a homerun. This hit into left field also brought in Kristie Hanewinkel.
The Lady 'Canes were able to respond to these runs in the bottom of the second inning when Rachel McElroy hit a double into left center to bring in Allison Pastor. The Lady 'Canes tied things up in the fourth inning when Jordan Miller hit a single up the middle, allowing Pastor to make it all the way home.
In the seventh inning, Patriots Barzola hit a single that allowed runner, Taylor Luff, to move to third. An unfortunate throwing error, allowed Luff to make it home. The inning finished with one run, one hit, one error and one left on base.
The lady Canes were unable to score again during the seventh.
Allison Pastor (6-6) took the loss, made an appearance in the final two innings, when the Hurricanes gave up the losing run. Pastor faced ten batters and only allowed two hits and one run. Ashley Cavender after pitching five innings, and only allowed three hits, two runs and one home run.
Francis Marion's Taylor Luff (6-8) takes credit for the win, after pitching all innings and striking out 11.
GAME 2: FMU 3 GSW 9
It seemed as much of the same as the first game going into this game, as Burney hit a double during the first inning allowing Barzola to score the first run of the game.
However, Mason Moreland and Hayley Knight were able to steal their way to third and second base. Keri Tompkins then was hit by a pitch. The bases were loaded with one out as Miller came up to the plate. Miller hit a ball right up the middle of the field enough for her and Tompkins to advance a plate and bring in both Moreland and Knight. The inning finished with two runs off one hit.
The Lady 'Canes kept the magic coming as they achieved their three outs and only walked one. At the bottom of the second, both Knight and Nellie Moore hit singles that allowed them to reach second on errors. These errors also allowed Moreland and Knight to score. The inning finished two run, three hits, two FMU errors, and one left on base.
Francis Marion had a glimmer of hope in the fourth, when Shelby Mathews hit a double into right field to bring in fellow Patriot for the second run of the day.
During the bottom of the fourth, there was a perfect storm brewing. Mason Moreland was walked. Hayley Knight hit a bunt intended to be a sacrifice, but Knight made it to first and Moreland made it to third. Moore singled allowing Knight to advance to second. Then FMU had a pitching change from Taylor Luff to Katie Carnes. Keri Tompkins was the next batter up and she hit a bomb over the left center fence. This grand slam was Tompkins fourth season homerun. To keep the excitement up, Miller hit a double to left center at the next at bat. Then McElroy was able to single and bring Miller a full trip around the bases. The inning ended with five runs and hits, no errors, and one left on base.
The Lady 'Canes were unable to get one more run in to secure the eight run rule before the seventh inning. At the top of the seventh, FMU had two outs and two on base as Burney was at bat again. Ashley Burney hit a single into left field to allow one more run on the board. After three hits, one run, and two girls left on base the game was called.
Allison Pastor (7-6) took credit for the win as she pitched all seven innings, facing 32 batters. Pastor allowed eight hits, three runs and struck out two. Katie Carnes (5-7) took credit for the loss after pitching three innings and allowing seven runs and hits. Taylor Luff made an appearance for the last three innings and allowed four hits and two runs.
The Lady Canes are going on the road next week to play in four doubleheader away games. Starting with Eckerd College on Tuesday. First pitch is set for 5 p.m.