April 14, 2013
THE FLATS – The Georgia Tech softball team (19-24, 6-6 ACC) launched two home runs, but Maryland 23-22, 7-5) chalked up seven runs on three hits in the fifth inning en route to a 14-5 run-rule victory over the Jackets to win the series on a rainy Sunday afternoon at Mewborn Field.
Down 3-0, Georgia Tech sophomore Katie Johnsky roped a Kaitlyn Schmeiser offering with one out over the centerfield wall for her fourth long ball of the season and knotted the game 3-3 in the first inning. She scored Ashley Thomas and Alysha Rudnik, who both drew walks.
With the home run, Johnsky notched her third multiple RBI game on the season. Ashley Thomas went 2-for-2 with a run scored to boost her hitting streak to eight games, while Chelsie Thomas also went 2-for-2 with a run.
Maryland regained the lead with two runs in both the second and third innings, before sophomore Caitlyn Coffey smoked a leadoff shot to left in the fourth, which pulled Tech within two, 7-5. It marked Coffey’s third home run on the season.
As the rain fell steadily, Maryland took its 7-5 lead and ran away with the game in the fifth. Georgia Tech pitcher Kylie Kleinschmidt issued three straight walks to load the bases and a fielder’s choice on a Sara Acosta ground ball scored Juli Strange. A bases loaded walk followed by a wild pitch added two more runs to Maryland’s lead.
Up 10-5, a pair of two-run homers from Shannon Bustillos and Lexi Carroll capped of the scoring for Maryland.
Kleinschmidt (4-4) absorbed the loss with 14 runs on 10 hits and nine walks in five innings.
Schmeiser (10-10) picked up the victory, surrendering four runs on three hits in two innings pitched before Maddie Martin entered the game in relief and held the Jackets to one run on four hits.
The Jackets are back in action Thursday with a doubleheader against Southern Miss at Mewborn Field. Action begins at 5 p.m.
