ANDERSON, S.C. — Anderson University Softball (12-10, 0-2 SAC) fell victim to Wingate's (10-10, 2-0 SAC) late-inning offensive surges in both games falling, 14-5, and 8-6 (8) in a South Atlantic Conference softball doubleheader on Wednesday afternoon at the AU Softball Complex.
The Bulldogs (11-10, 2-0 SAC) took the opener, 14-5, breaking open a close game with nine runs over the final two innings. Savanna Brooks homered and drove in two runs, while Jaden Burns went 2-for-3 with a double, two RBIs and two runs scored. Kendall Hobgood added two hits and drove in two, and Kaylee Furr delivered a pinch-hit, two-run single in the seventh.
Anderson managed just five hits in the opener, but three of them left the park. Junior
Carson Hobbs, senior
Maddie Carpenter and sophomore
Kadence Barrick each hit solo home runs, while junior
Jenna Davis went 2-for-3 with a double, a triple, an RBI and a run scored.
Wingate's Jillian Thomas (5-4) earned the win, striking out eight while allowing four runs on four hits over six innings. Hobbs (3-3) took the loss, giving up nine hits in six innings. Anderson committed three errors.
In the nightcap, Wingate broke a 4-4 tie with a four-run eighth inning to claim an 8-6 victory and complete the sweep. Catcher Raelyn Kramer delivered the game's biggest blow, a three-run homer in the top of the eighth, while Brooks added her second home run of the day.
Anderson homered three times in Game 2, including a two-run shot from Hobbs, who finished 3-for-3 with three RBIs. Sophomore
Paige Vickery and junior
Lauren Brakovec each added solo home runs, but the Trojans' late rally fell short, leaving the potential tying run on base in the bottom of the eighth.
Thomas (6-4) earned her second win of the day with two innings of relief, allowing two runs — one earned — on three hits. Junior
Katie Morris (5-5) took the loss, surrendering eight runs over eight innings.
Anderson returns to action tomorrow when it host nonconference opponent Chowan. First-pitch of the double-header is slated for 1 pm.
