Strong Pitching Propels Softball Past Brewton Parker
The Brenau softball team used strong outings on the mound to sweep both games against Brewton Parker (Ga.) College in Southern States Athletic Conference play on Friday in Gainesville.
Kathleen Daniel and Jessica Rathje combined to pitch 12 one-hit innings and throw 24 strikeouts to win their opening conference games.
In game one, Daniel threw a complete game while allowing only one hit and 18 strikeouts against only three walks to help the Golden Tigers to a 4-0 win. Daniel had a no-hitter going through four innings before a fly ball was misplayed in the outfield to allow the only Baron hit of the afternoon.
After four scoreless innings, the Golden Tigers' Savannah Moore doubled into the deep right-center field gap to drive in the first of four runs in the bottom of the fifth inning.
Kelsey Payne and Shelton Kendrix each drove in a run, while Lexi Cash, Mackenzie Oliver Mullis and Sarah Peery each stole bases in the victory.
In game two, Daniel pitched three scoreless innings and Rathje added two scoreless innings of relief, while the Golden Tiger offense pounded out 11 runs on 12 hits for an 11-0 rout in five innings.
Payne went 2-3 with three RBIs including slugging her fourth homer of the year, while Mason Garland added three hits and four RBIs. Moore chipped in two RBIs and Tabitha Morrison had an RBI to help the squad capture their 23rd win of the season.
Brenau (23-5 overall, 2-0 SSAC) next hosts Middle Georgia State in a 1 pm doubleheader in Gainesville at Ernest Ledford Grindle Park.