Sept. 14, 2004
ATLANTA – The Georgia Tech softball team opened up the fall season with a 7-1 victory over Georgia Perimeter College on Saturday afternoon at Glenn Field.
“Our initial surge was great,” said head coach Ehren Earleywine. “We came out swinging the bats well off a highley-touted junior college pitcher that was consistently in the mid 60’s. I was pleasantly surprised on how well we hit off her since we have only seen one day of live pitching coming into the game. Unfortunately, we didn’t take that same intensity into the latter part of the game and it cost us runs.”
Senior All-American pitcher Jessica Sallinger started the game and fired four innings of shut out ball. Following Sallinger in the circle was sophomore Sarah Wood with four shut out innings of her own. Freshman Whitney Humphreys threw the final four innings, allowing just one run.
“Jessica Sallinger pitched well as expected,” said Earleywine. “Sarah Wood has gone strictly to throwing a drop ball and we were encouraged by her performance. She was able to achieve pretty good rotation on it and induced several ground out innings. She will continue to improve this fall as she continues to perfect that pitch.
“Whitney Humphreys also pitched and has some developing to do before she is ready for spring play. If she sets her mind to it, she could make strides to do that.”
Pacing the Tech offensive attack was freshman Savannah Brown. Brown finished the day with three hits, including a double and drove in two runs for the Jackets. Junior transfer Christine Sheridan contributed with two walks at the leadoff position and several other Tech players had a hit.
“I was impressed with a pair of newcomers,” said Earleywine. “Christine and Savannah had great at bats, played great defense and remained focused throughtout the game.
“I also liked our short game play led by Kacey Ivey, Caitlin Lever and Stephanie Butler. All moved the ball and found there way on bases. What this team lacks in power, makes up for it with speed.”
The Rambling Wreck will continue their fall season against Young Harris College this Saturday at 1 p.m. The game will be played at Glenn Field.
