March 2, 2005
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – After surrendering two hits to start the game, senior Jessica Sallinger (9-2) retired 19 straight and struck out 13 to lead No. 19 Georgia Tech (14-4) over UAB (8-13), 3-0, on Wednesday night at Georgia Ward Park. Freshman second baseman Aileen Morales drove in two runs for the Yellow Jackets.
Sallinger, a native of Kennesaw, Ga., recorded her 100th career complete game and moved into a tie for third all-time in the Atlantic Coast Conference. She pushed her career strikeout total to 1,141 to move into 17th place all-time in the NCAA.
The Blazers threatened in the bottom of the first on consecutive bunt singles. A sacrifice bunt put runners at second and third with one out, but Sallinger retired the next two via the strikeout to get out of the jam.
Sophomore Sarah Wood drove in the game’s first run with a two-out single to right field in the top of the second inning to plate senior Katie Donovan who reached on a walk.
Senior Kirin Kumar singled up the middle to advance freshman Kacey Ivey to third base to give Tech runners at second and third with one out in the top of the fifth inning. Morales then drove in Ivey and Kumar with a base hit to right-center field for the final runs of the game.
Georgia Tech will host the 13th annual Buzz Classic this weekend, March 4-6, in Mareitta, Ga., at Al Bishop. The tournament will begin with pool play on Friday at 11 a.m. and continue with bracket play starting Saturday night at 8 p.m. The Jackets will take on Winthrop at 4 p.m. and face Purdue at 6 p.m. on Friday.
-GT SOFTBALL-
