Shepherd Throws Perfect Game in Conference Play

Central, SC - On Saturday afternoon, the Brenau Golden Tigers played in a double header against the Southern Wesleyan Warriors, winning games, 11-0 and 15-0. When looking at these scores, it is no surprise that Brenau is ranked nationally at #2 in total runs scored, and #3 for runs scored per game and total runs batted in. #18 Brenau University is currently 20-2 (4-0 in conference), while Southern Wesleyan University holds a record of 2-20 (2-6).

In the first part of the double header, the Golden Tigers were relentless in their efforts to obtain another shut out game. They were the first team to get on the board with a hit, in the 1st inning, and they secured the lead by scoring 2 more runs, in the 2nd. The 3rd and 4th innings were tense, in regards to the fact that both teams were itching to put a point on the board, while hoping the other team would not receive an unearned hit. Once the game reached the 5th inning, the Golden Tigers were ready to break out of their cage; they earned 4 big runs, bringing the score to 7-0. In the 6th, and final, inning, Southern Wesleyan still tried to battle with Brenau, but they were clearly no match up because Brenau earned another 4 points straight, closing the game out at 11-0.

The Golden Tigers found their niche again, and have reaped the rewards of a 7 game winning streak. Many players have contributed to their quick recovery (from their 2 loses, on the 2nd day of the Gulf Coast Invitational). Jacqueline McWhorter (Columbus, GA) helped Brenau out any way she could, she went 1-2 at the plate, earning a single, and 3 stolen bases. Kristina Reynolds (Bogart, GA) and Anna Maness (Seagrove, NC) both went 2-3 while at bat, generating a single, multiple RBIs, and a homerun each; however, Maness also demonstrated her wide array of skill, from the mound, by throwing 8 strikeouts. In addition, Jenny Shepherd (Martinez, GA) got 1 hit, with a single, and a RBI, while Jana Bryant (Marietta, GA) earned a hit, with a double, and a RBI. Juniors, Ellen Black (Toccoa, GA) and Morgan Smith (Covington, GA) were determined not to be out done, and in doing so, Black received a hit, and double, while Smith went 1-3 at the plate, with 2 RBIS, and a homerun.

As for the next game, Brenau University did not waste any time making it clear to their opponents who would be governing the field. The Warriors were overwhelmed, when it came to the Golden Tigers' dexterity, while at bat. Within the 1st inning alone, Brenau earned 5 runs, while Southern Wesleyan struggled in their efforts to get on 1st base. The Golden Tigers scored 2 additional runs, in the 2nd inning, but struggled to reach home base in the 3rd. When the game advanced to the 4th inning, Brenau was determined to get back on the scoreboard; they did just that, as a result of 8 more runs. Neither the Golden Tigers nor Warriors could manage to earn a run in the 5th, leaving the score at 15-0 (with the Warriors never earning a single hit).

During the 2nd game, Brenau proved to all their spectators that they have the mentality of champions. Both, Tiffany Schandera (Columbus, GA) and Jacqueline McWhorter, went 3-5 at bat, earning 3 singles and a RBI, each. Sally Duggan (Huntsville, AL) and Taylor Shrader (Henegar, AL) produced a solid hit, as well as, a single, and multiple RBIs. Jana Bryant donated to the team, with her 2 hits, and 2 singles. Moreover, Morgan Smith went 2-2 at the plate, collecting a single, double, and 2 RBIs, while Kristina Reynolds acquired 3 hits, 3 singles, and a notable RBI. A solid effort was made by Ellen Black, when she went 2-3, earning a single, 3 RBIs, and a homerun. As for Jenny Shepherd, this was clearly her game; from the plate, she went 2-4, generating 2 singles, and an RBI, but from the pitcher's mound, she hurled 9 strikeouts. With that said, Shepherd pitched a perfect game!