Softball Swept by Kent State and Georgia on Second Day of Spring Fling

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Athens, Ga. – Gabrielle Burns struck out four without allowing a hit in the final two innings to lead Kent State to its second-straight victory over UAlbany, defeating the Great Danes 4-2 on the second day of the Georgia Spring Fling at the UGA Softball Stadium. UAlbany also dropped a 4-0 decision to the host Bulldogs later in the afternoon.

Kent State (14-5) jumped out to an early 2-0 lead in the first inning. Outfielder Lauren Brocklehurst scored the first run of the game on a fielder’s choice by Jessica Carmichael. First baseman Jamie Fitzpatrick, who reached on a walk, scored the second run for the Golden Flashes on an RBI single to center by catcher Amy Hair.

Kent State doubled its advantage in the top of the fifth frame. UAlbany’s Bailey Van Deest connected with first baseman Leanne Tillman to turn a double play to start the inning, but Fitzpatrick reached base on an error, which also allowed Jessica Toocheck to score. Fitzpatrick crossed home on an RBI double by Carmichael to give the Golden Flashes the 4-0 advantage.

UAlbany cut the deficit back to two runs in the bottom of the inning, as shortstop Andrianna Walraven led off with a walk. Senior left fielder Amber Maisonet cracked her first home run of the season in the next at bat, sending the two-run shot over the right field fence.

The Great Danes would get runners on base in the sixth, but Burns recorded two strikeouts to start the seventh and induced a fly-out from Michelle Connors to end the game.

Sarah McCloud and Kate Gaskill combined in the circle for Georgia’s shutout win over the Great Danes in the second game. McCloud, who tossed 5.1 innings and recorded three strikeouts, earned her seventh win of the season, while Gaskill fanned three to claim her third save for the Bulldogs.

The game was scoreless until the bottom of the fourth inning, as Georgia baserunners advanced on consecutive wild pitches by UAlbany’s Leah McIntosh. Designated player Jennie Auger tripled to right field to score Taylor Schlopy and Katie Backer to give the Bulldog’s the advantage.

Georgia (28-8) added two more runs in the next frame, as third baseman Alisa Goler knocked a two-RBI single into left. UAlbany (6-7) had a chance to score in the bottom of the fifth, as Maisonet advanced to third on a single by Nicole Kothe. Gaskill struck out her first batter faced, and fanned the final batter of the inning to get the Bulldogs out of the jam.

The Great Danes had another scoring opportunity in the top of the final inning, as Walraven and catcher Kat Smith recorded back-to-back singles. Walraven was caught trying to advance on a throw, and Gaskill struck out Kristine Bill to seal the Georgia victory.

McIntosh dropped to 4-2 on the season in her sixth complete-game performance. She struck out four and issued two walks in the game.

The Great Danes will wrap play at the Georgia Spring Fling on Sunday, taking on Kent State at 12 p.m.