KENNESAW, Ga. – Georgia Tech softball (15-2) flew by Kennesaw State (4-9) for a 5-0 victory, riding the arm junior right-hander Blake Neleman on Wednesday at Bailey Park. Neleman heaved her second complete-game shutout of the year and seventh complete game this season as she’s now 9-1 with a 1.25 ERA overall.
At the dish, Tech used a balanced attack as six different batters tallied hits. Junior catcher Emma Kauf led the way with a 3-for-4 day, including an RBI and two runs scored.
The Jackets started things off with a run in the top of the first as Kauf led off with a double, later scampering home on a sequence including a passed ball and errant throw. Tech added another score to its lead in the second, beginning with a leadoff walk by senior second baseman Bailee Zeitler, who was later pushed home by a single from freshman center fielder Ella Edgmon from the nine hole. The White and Gold once more tacked onto the lead in the top of the fourth as senior left fielder Kennedy Cowden walked and stole second, allowing an infield single by Edgmon to move her home for a 3-0 Jacket lead. Georgia Tech later added a pair of insurance runs in the top of the sixth with three singles. Cowden was the first to reach on a bunt, followed by RBI singles courtesy of Kauf and graduate first baseman Tricia Awald out to a 5-0 advantage. Neleman then shut the door in the final two frames, resulting a 5-0 Jacket triumph.