The No. 21 Georgia Gwinnett softball team wrapped up its opening weekend road trip with a 2-2 record after splitting with (RV) Thomas (Ga.) on the road this afternoon.
The Grizzlies captured their second victory of 2016 with a 14-7, nine-inning, win over the Lady Night Hawks in game one, but fell to Thomas in game two 12-5.
Grizzly starter Ashley Beyke pitched all nine innings in game one for GGC, taking a no-hitter into the bottom of the sixth inning. The right-handed hurler picked up her second win of 2016 and now carries a 2.19 ERA.
Thomas (2-2) broke the offensive silence for both squads in the bottom of the sixth plating a run for the 1-0 lead.
Facing their final three outs of regulation ball, Georgia Gwinnett clawed back into the action in the top of the seventh, plating five runs. Center fielder Tori Heinemann started the rally with a single to center and would come around to score two batters later on a double to left-center by pinch hitter Alyssa Hathcoat. First baseman Kodi Ricketson, who reached on a throwing error before Hathcoat's double, moved to third on the hit. Thomas then intentionally walked slugger Brashante Dareus to put three Grizzlies on the base paths. On the third pitch she saw, second baseman Hailey Burnham ripped a three-run double to left-center scoring Ricketson, Hathcoat and Dareus.
Heading into what was potentially the final inning of game one, Thomas was down 5-1, but battled back to score four runs, forcing extra innings. Both teams would plate a run apiece in the eighth, but it was the Grizzlies who dominated the ninth to take a 14-7 victory. GGC went on an offensive tear that saw seven hits contribute to an eight-run inning. Notably, senior Alycia Fields and Dareus each hit two-run homers in the inning.
Game two flipped the script for GGC as Thomas retaliated with a 12-5 win of their own. Highlights of the second contest included a 2-for-4, one RBI performance by Ricketson and a 1-for-2, two RBI performance by Burnham.
"We hit the ball really well again today," reflected GGC head coach Kat Ihlenburg. "The offense is really potent, and it will be exciting to see this team grow and develop. Despite two losses this weekend, we learned a lot and look forward to defending the G-Claw."
The Grizzlies return home to the Grizzly Softball Complex on Tuesday, Feb. 9 for their home opener against (RV) Bryan (Tenn.). GGC will open their home slate with a doubleheader starting at 2:00 p.m.
Tickets for Tuesday's action are $5 per game for adults, $3 for youth, seniors, and military, and free for children under five. All members of the GGC community receive free admission with their Claw Card. Season ticket packages are also on sale for all regular season contests. For more information on ticketing, click here. Free game day parking is available in the deck at the entrance to the GGC campus.
The first 100 fans will receive a 2016 spring sports poster while one lucky fan each game this year will win the Autobell Car Wash Grizzly Prize Pack.
Game Day Central
Video coverage:
http://portal.stretchinternet.com/ggc/
Live stat links:
Game 1: http://bit.ly/1SUTjuL
Game 2: http://bit.ly/1Q2JqMG
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