The Georgia Gwinnett softball team's second-longest winning streak in its program's five-year history reached 10 games on Tuesday as the Grizzlies defeated No. 12 Reinhardt (Ga.) 4-2 in the opening game of their doubleheader action against the Eagles. In the nightcap, game two ended with a 5-5 draw as severe weather in the Lawrenceville area halted competition in the top of the eighth inning.
Earlier in the evening, the Grizzlies jumped eight spots from No. 13 to No. 5 in the NAIA's latest Coaches' Poll that was released at 6:00 p.m., reaching the program's highest-ever ranking in the Coaches' Poll. Previously, GGC's highest ranking was ninth, which was obtained in the 2016 season.
"The team played really well in game one, and the results showed with our defense playing sound while both pitchers held a commanding presence in the center circle," said GGC head coach Kat Ihlenburg. "Receiving the No. 5 ranking is an exciting mark for our program. It shows our hard work and growth, but we need to continue to do well on the field and compete in order to make our season's ultimate goals."
Junior Niki Cook led the Grizzlies on Tuesday as the center fielder reached base during all seven of her at-bats in the doubleheader. In game one, Cook went 3-for-3 at the plate, stealing three bases in three attempts while scoring on two occasions. Cook reached base on two walks in game two and also went 2-for-2. She swiped two bases as well in the nightcap, bringing her two-game total to five steals.
The Grizzlies (25-5-1) took a 2-0 lead in the first inning of game one. GGC scored its first run of the day on an RBI-single by right fielder RaeQuinn Rossetti. Later in the inning, Rossetti would score on a grounder to short by first baseman Hailey Burnham.
In the top of the third, Reinhardt (25-10-1) tied the game at 2-2 with a sacrifice fly by first baseman Jessica Baker and an RBI-single to center by third baseman Angela Roberts.
Georgia Gwinnett scored the go-ahead run in the bottom of the third as an RBI-single up the middle by Burnham plated shortstop Brashante Dareus.
With a 3-2 lead heading into the sixth, the Grizzlies knocked in an insurance for the 4-2 lead as pinch hitter Mary Burk ripped an RBI-double to the right-center gap.
GGC's starting pitcher, Katie Jo Goodwin, received the win, allowing just two runs in five innings of work. Sophomore Taylor Hansis collected the save as the right-hander pitched two scoreless innings of relief in GGC's 4-2 victory. Reinhardt's Madison Luck was credited with the loss, surrendering four earned runs on 14 hits in the contest.
The nightcap of the twin bill ended in a 5-5 tie as heavy rain and lightning entered Gwinnett County.
Reinhardt opened game two with a two-run lead as Baker ripped a one-out double to the left-center field wall, scoring center fielder Hannah McKinley and shortstop Taylor Braselton.
Two innings later, Georgia Gwinnett would tie the game at 2-2 when left fielder Aubree Cox launched a two-run home run over the right-center field fence. In the fifth, the Grizzlies rallied for two more runs, taking a 4-2 advantage over the Eagles, as third baseman Elyssa Melton catapulted a two-run single down the third base line.
The Eagles drew within one, 4-3, in the sixth on an RBI-single by left fielder Taylor Weeks, but GGC responded with a run of its own in the bottom of the inning on an RBI-single by Dareus.
Facing a 5-3 deficit heading into the seventh, Reinhardt rallied for two runs, capitalizing on a GGC fielding error, to tie the game at 5-5 and force extra innings.
Tuesday's nightcap reached the eighth inning, but play was halted an out into inning as severe weather conditions rolled into Lawrenceville, ending the contest in a 5-5 tie.
Ihlenburg continued, "We do not like ending games with a tie, but the weather came into the area quickly and turned severe soon after. It was the right call for both sides as the safety and well-being of the student-athletes, spectators, coaches, and officials are our top priority."
Next, Georgia Gwinnett will hit the road to Kentucky. The Grizzlies will face Union (Ky.) in a twin bill starting at 2:00 p.m. on Friday and will then face off with Kentucky Christian in doubleheader action on Saturday starting at 1:00 p.m. GGC will return to the Grizzly Softball Complex on Saturday, April 1 when the Grizzlies host Bryan (Tenn.) in doubleheader action.
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