The 21st-ranked Georgia Gwinnett softball team took just 10 combined innings over two games to capture a doubleheader sweep of Montreat (N.C.) via run-rule on Tuesday evening to improve to 16-4 on the year.
The Grizzlies captured the first victory of the day in game one where they picked up the 21-1 victory over the Cavaliers. In the night cap, the Grizzlies continued their offensive explosion to defeat Montreat 13-2.
Georgia Gwinnett, which is now 9-1 all-time against the Cavaliers, posted a combined 34 runs on 35 hits in the sweep while surrendering just three runs on nine hits.
"We attacked the ball well today," stated GGC head coach Kat Ihlenburg. "It was a complete team effort to hit as well as we did. It is critical to do the same thing throughout the season and attack the ball at the plate."
Junior infielder Kodi Ricketson had a career day for the Grizzlies as she went 5-for-6 at the plate, collecting a cycle spread over both games. In game one, Ricketson belted a three-run home run and single while she collected the double and triple in game two. The Buford native drove in a total four runs and scored five times.
Game one witnessed an offensive fury in the first three innings of play to help lift the Grizzly squad to victory. GGC plated five runs in both the first and second innings while pushing across 11 runs in the third. The Cavaliers scored their lone run of game one in the top of the third on a single to center by Dezaree Avallone.
Of note, GGC shortstop Elyssa Melton belted her third home run of the season to lead off the bottom of the second.
Starting pitcher Ashley Beyke, who started game one, picked up her sixth win of the season, pitching a complete game. Beyke struck out five batters and surrendered one unearned run in her five innings of work.
The night cap mirrored the early stages of game one as Georgia Gwinnett, once again, drove in five runs in each of the first two innings. Montreat led for the first time of the day in the opening inning of play when starting pitcher Megan Recher ripped an RBI-single to center.
During the bottom of the second, catcher Brashante Dareus collected her fourth home run of the season, ripping a two-run blast well over the left field fence.
The Grizzlies went on to score two runs in the third and one in the fourth en route to the 13-2 victory. In the final inning of play, Montreat's shortstop Aubree Sluder collected the Cavaliers' second run of the game with a solo home run over the left field fence.
Freshman Taylor Hansis collected her first collegiate victory in game two while Montreat's Recher received her second loss of the day. Recher was also the losing pitcher of record in game one. The first baseman duo of Josie Nunn and Hailey Burnham also turned in valuable performances for the Grizzlies as they combined to go 7-for-8 at the plate with five RBIs and five runs scored. Nunn also stole two bases in the 13-2 victory in game two.
The Grizzlies return to the diamond on Wednesday as they host Truett-McConnell (Ga.) in doubleheader action. First pitch is slated for 4:00 p.m. with game two starting approximately 30 minutes after the conclusion of game one.
Tickets for Wednesday's action are $5 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.
Game Day Central
Video coverage:
http://portal.stretchinternet.com/ggc/
Live stats links:
Game 1: http://bit.ly/1QapVg2
Game 2: http://bit.ly/1PXd8zs
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