March 8, 2012
ATLANTA – The Georgia Tech softball team blasted three home runs en route to a 9-1 run rule victory over SIU-Edwardsville, Thursday. Alysha Rudnik had the walk off home run for the Yellow Jackets (15-9) in the bottom of the sixth inning, using a solo shot to end the game.
Hope Rush and Kate Kuzma also launched a long balls on the night, Rush to give Tech a 3-0 lead over the Cougars (7-12) and Kuzma to boost the Tech lead to 8-1 and propel the Jackets to the win. Rush was 2-for-3 on the day with two RBIs and a run scored while Kuzma’s was 1-for-3 with three RBIs and two runs scored.
Karly Fullem got the start on the mound for Tech, her first career start, also picking up her first collegiate victory. Fullem pitched six complete innings striking out one and allowing just four hits and an earned run.
Tech got on top first in the bottom of the second as the SIUE pitcher, Alex McDavid walked in a bases loaded run to give Tech a 1-0 lead. In the fifth, Rush’s homer put Tech on top 3-0. Kelsi Weseman and Katie Johnsky each reached base and came home on a double by Fullem that stayed just inside of the right field foul line to push Tech’s lead to five.
The Jackets gave one run up in the top of the sixth but via Kuzma’s three run shot and Rudnik’s solo blast, Tech earned the mercy rule win, its 15th of the season.
The Jackets are back in action this weekend with their first ACC play of the year when they take on Virginia at Mewborn Field. Saturday features a doubleheader beginning at 1 p.m. and Sunday will see the finale of the weekend series with a 1 p.m. start.
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
