Box Score 1 |
Box Score 2 ANDERSON, S.C. – No. 23 Anderson University softball (15-1) defeated nonconference opponent USC Aiken (7-7) in the opening game in dramatic fashion, using a walk-off single to win, 4-3, while overcoming a 1-0 deficit to win game two, 5-1, on Sunday afternoon at the AU Softball Complex.
"So very proud of all 18 players," said head coach Tommy Hewitt.
The Trojans were in control of game one, heading into the top of the seventh inning winning, 3-0. USC Aiken was down to its final out and hit back-to-back-to back home runs to force Anderson into the bottom half of the inning.
Anderson responded with junior Hope Gullatt leading off the inning with a single up the middle. Senior Sydney Belcher reached on a fielder's choice, with pinch runner Yas Laureano reaching second safely. Senior Gracie William flied out, while Belcher and Laureano advancing. Senior Jessica Neadow rips the walk-off single to right center to help AU win game one, 4-3.
Neadow batted 3-for-4 with a home run and two RBI, while junior Gullatt went 2-for-2. Senior Kayson Boatner hit her 11th home run of the season, going 1-for-3 with two RBI.
AU's Harlie Duncan 6.2 innings, giving up 10 hits and striking out eight. Sophomore Laken Maxwell (9-0) was called in to get the final out of the inning.
The Pacers led game two through four and a half innings of play, 1-0. Anderson scored three runs in the bottom of the fifth to erase the goose egg on the Black and Gold's side.
Junior Olivia Rose Wheeler led off with a walk, followed by a home run by red-hot Gullatt to put the Trojans ahead, 2-1. Belcher walked, followed by Neadow's double and freshman Maddie Carpenter's single scoring the third run of the inning, 3-1.
Anderson added two insurance runs in the bottom of the sixth inning when Belcher blasted her second home run of the season, driving in Wheeler.
Maxwell (9-0) to the nod in game two, pitching seven innings. Maxwell scattered six hit, while striking out six.
Anderson returns to action on Friday when it host nonconference opponent Georgia College. First-pitch of the doubleheader is scheduled for 3 pm.
