March 27, 2013
KENNESAW, Ga. – The Georgia Tech softball team (15-17) pounded 14 hits, five for extra bases, to score 17 runs over two innings as the Yellow Jackets dominated Kennesaw State, 17-3, in five innings.
It marked the seventh time this season the Jackets have scored in double-digits, going 6-1 in those contests. Courtney Ziese hit her fourth bomb and Hope Rush recorded her 11th round-tripper on the season, while Karly Fullem and Katie Johnsky legged out triples in the fourth inning.
Every Yellow Jacket starter scored at least one run led by Ashley Thomas’s three runs, as Tech batted around in back-to-back innings.
“We had some aggressive at bats early in the game,” head coach Sharon Perkins said. “They really worked the count and were aggressive after good pitches, which is something were trying to do a better job with. They really worked the count, put the pressure on the pitcher and did a good job with that.”
Tech broke the game open in the third inning, scoring 10 runs on five hits and three costly Kennesaw State (23-7) errors. With the bases loaded and no outs, Rush worked the count full and drew a walk to score a run. Johnsky stepped to the plate next and followed suit, running the count full and earning a free base.
Morgan Taylor singled and drove in a run to give Tech a 3-0 lead. A costly error on a Fullem fly ball by Kennesaw State right fielder Jensen Hackett cleared the bases, put Fullem on third and ended the day for the Owls’ starter Abbey Mixon as Monica Vickery entered the game.
Up 6-0, Tech added four additional runs on a two-run bomb off the bat of Ziese, a sacrifice fly from Alysha Rudnik and a throwing error by Hackett in right field.
The Owls managed three runs in the bottom of the third frame, before Tech came out swinging in the top of the fourth with seven runs on seven hits.
Morgan Sikes entered the game to relieve Vickery in the circle. With one out, Fullem rocked her first career triple to the deep –right corner and her pinch runner Kelly Delashmit scored on an illegal pitch.
Tech loaded the bases again, and Ashley Thomas and Rudnik laced together RBI singles. Rush roped her team-leading 11th home run to score Thomas and Rudnik, and give Tech a 16-3 lead.
Johnsky capped off the scoring for Tech as she tripled to right center and scored on a double courtesy of Taylor.
Rush (8-10) pitched three innings for Tech and picked up the victory, surrendering three runs on five hits. Fullem pitched the remaining two innings and gave up three hits.
Mixon (8-4) endured the loss, throwing two innings with seven runs on three hits, four walks and five strikeouts.
The Jackets are back in action this weekend when they host NC State in a three-game series. Friday’s doubleheader begins at 4 p.m. and the series finale Saturday begins at 1 p.m.
