Feb. 10, 2012
TEMPE, Ariz. – A two run single to centerfield by sophomore Alysha Rudnik was all that the No. 23 Georgia Tech softball team needed to upset No.8 Arizona in its home state by a 2-1 score. Rudnick’s game winning hit came in the third inning and the stellar pitching of Hope Rushhelped Tech (2-0) to their second win over a Pac-12 opponent in as many games.
The victory was the Yellow Jackets’ first win over Arizona (1-1) since they first met the Wildcats back in the 2000 season and the first under the tutelage of head coach Sharon Perkins. Tech is now 1-2 all-time against Arizona and 1-0 under Perkins.
Rudnick finished the day going 2-for-3 and driving in those two important RBIs. Rush, who picked up a save in game one, pitched the complete game, letting up just five hits and the one earned run in the first inning of play.
Rush walked Brigette Del Ponte with two outs in the bottom of the first and the third baseman stole second in the next at bat scoring on a single up the middle by Jessica Spigner. A double by Lini Koria put runners on second and third but Rush got Kristen Arriola to foul out to first base to end the threat.
After a scoreless second inning, Tech started its rally as Chelsie Thomas beat out a single to short. Ashley Thomas moved her over to second on a sacrifice bunt. Hayley Downs made her way onto the basepaths via a fielder’s choice and the two speedsters moved up a bag on a passed ball. One batter later Kelsi Weseman drew the walk and with the bases loaded Rudnik sent a shot to centerfield to score that would score Chelsie Thomasand Downs, enough for the victory.
Rush buckled down in the final four innings of the game allowing just one more hit, in the fifth, and sitting the side down 1-2-3 in the fourth, sixth and seventh innings.
The Jackets return to action Saturday night when they take on Cal Poly at 6:30 p.m. ET/4:30 MT followed by a 9 p.m. meeting with San Diego State.
Keep up to date with the Georgia Tech Softball team all season long at www.RamblinWreck.com as well as twitter.com/GaTechSoftball and facebook.com/GTSoftball
