The Georgia Southwestern softball team split a Wednesday evening Peach Belt Conference doubleheader with Columbus State at Lady 'Canes Field. GSW rallied to win the first game, 4-3 in nine innings, and lost the nightcap, 3-1.
A two-out two-run double to right field in the ninth by Gabby Buck gave the Lady Hurricanes the victory in Game 1. The victory was Southwestern's first over CSU in conference play since joining the Peach Belt (although GSW took one of two games from Columbus State earlier this season in a non-conference matchup).
A pair of runs in the seventh gave CSU the win in Game 2.
GAME 1: GSW 4, COLUMBUS STATE 3 (9 INN.)
Jessica Martin opened the scoring in Game 1 with an RBI double in the second inning to give GSW a 1-0 lead.
Gabby Buck came around from first to score when the CSU left fielder booted a Lyndi Duff single in the third, putting GSW ahead 2-0.
A single, double, sacrifice fly and GSW fielding error allowed Columbus State to tie the game at 2-2 in the sixth inning.
Brittany Leverett tied the game in the top of the ninth with a leadoff solo homer for the Cougars.
With one out in the bottom of the frame, Anna Oswald and Heather Hodge put together back-to-back singles. Brooke McLemore moved the runners over with a sacrifice bunt, setting the stage for Buck’s game-winning double.
Martin (7-8) went the distance GSW to pick up her fourth-consecutive victory. She struck out nine and walked four, allowing two earned runs.
Martin helped her own cause at the plate, leading the Lady ‘Canes with a 3-for-4 performance that included two doubles and one RBI.
GAME 2: COLUMBUS STATE 3, GSW 1
Trailing 1-0 in the third inning, GSW put together a two-out rally that started with a McLemore double to left field. Buck followed with a single up the middle and both runners advanced on the attempt to throw out Buck at second base. McLemore eventually scored on a wild pitch.
The score stayed 1-1 until the seventh when two hits and two GSW errors led a pair of Columbus State runs.
The Lady ‘Canes were retired in order in the bottom of the frame.
Mariko Nomura (6-18) took the loss for GSW. She pitched seven innings, gave up nine hits and three runs – one earned – to go with one walk and four strikeouts.
Buck and Oswald accounted for four of Southwestern’s five hits in the nightcap, each going 2-for-2.
The Lady Hurricanes (19-30, 5-15) wrap up the 2010 season with Senior Night on Friday at 5 p.m. against Albany State.
