Feb. 9, 2014
THE FLATS – The Georgia Tech softball team (2-1) exploded for six runs on seven hits in the fourth inning en route to a 7-1 victory against Missouri State (1-2) in the series finale Sunday. Hayley Downs led Tech, going 3-for-3 with a run and a RBI.
“Karly Fullem got them going with a big home run from her, but this team is relentless,” head coach Shelly Hoerner said. “Just because we started off slow, doesn’t mean anything. We kept chipping away. We did some really good things. We produced with runners in scoring position. We made adjustments on both of their pitchers, which was a big thing after watching film. I’m proud of the girls to make the adjustments and come through in clutch situations.”
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The Jackets had two hits and trailed 1-0 before batting around in the bottom of the fourth inning.
Karly Fullem sparked the offense with her first long ball of the season and second of her career, roping the Erin Struemph offering over the left field wall to score Alysha Rudnik and give the Jackets a 2-1 lead.
Katie Johnsky singled through the right side, forcing a pitching change for Missouri State. Chelsea Jones relieved Struemph (1-1), who gave up three runs on five hits in three innings and suffered the loss.
With one out, Kanani Cabrales kept the inning alive, reaching base on a fielder’s choice, and singles from Downs and Colleen Darragh scored Cabrales. With Downs and Darragh on the corners, Jones intentionally walked Ashley Thomas to load the bases.
The Jackets’ pinch hitter Caitlyn Coffey pulled through and took the first pitch through the left side to score Downs, giving Tech a 4-1 lead. Rudnik took her second turn in the box and lined the ball to right, scoring Darragh and Ashley Thomas.
Georgia Tech tacked on another run in the fifth inning. Johnsky singled and moved around the bases on ground outs by Maddie Lionberger and Cabrales. Downs hit a chopper up the middle to score Johnsky and give Tech its final 7-1 lead.
After the Bears struck first in the opening stanza on a double by Ashley Brentz and a RBI-single from Stacia Boeckstiegel, Georgia Tech pitcher Kylie Kleinschmidt held Missouri State scoreless.
Kleinschmidt (2-0) picked up the winning, throwing a complete game with six hits, one run, four walks and six strikeouts.
The Jackets are back in action Feb. 14-16 in Tucson, Ariz. at the Hillenbrand Invitational.
