AU women earn split in doubleheader with Wingate
By Jack Johnson | Sports writer
The Augusta University softball team split a doubleheader with Wingate University on Feb. 9.
The first game of the doubleheader was a defensive battle that remained scoreless through the first seven innings. Junior pitcher Mary Tillman threw an excellent game, allowing only four hits through seven innings.
However, Wingate came up big in the eighth inning, getting a walk-off home run and ending the game 2-0.
“We played an excellent game on the defensive end,” AU Coach Melissa Brocato said. “If we continue to hold teams to under two runs, we’ll win a lot of ball games.”
The second game of the doubleheader saw much more offense from the Jaguars, who won 4-1. The bats were cranking as Lauren Slade and Lindsey South both contributed two hits, and Madelyn Libby drove in three runs on her own.
The offensive woes of the previous game were no longer a concern. The Jaguars also played stellar defense, only allowing one run in the second game. Chloe Wilson struck out nine in a complete-game win. She allowed just four hits.
Moving forward, the Jaguars next contest will be a road game against Erskine University. As of now, there have been no issues regarding COVID-19 for the Jaguars.
“It hasn’t affected us much yet,” Brocato said. “We’ve had a few girls quarantine because of possible contact but that’s about it.”
Another challenge in the next week or so is going to be the weather.
“There’s supposed to be rain for the next 10 days or so and that hurts us because we can’t be on the field and practice our defense,” Brocato said. ”Thankfully, we have a covered batting cage now so we can continue with hitting.”
Augusta’s game at Erskine will be on Wednesday, Feb. 17, at 1 and 3 p.m.
Overall, the Jaguars (2-4) look highly competitive with a solid defense, and with Wilson and Tillman getting quality starts on the mound.
Contact Jack Johnson at jacjohnson@augusta.edu.
AU freshman Aliyah Luke throws out a runner to first baseman Olivia Biles (8), as Bella Fernandez (23) watches. At the top, Jaguar junior Jakayla Sullivan tags a runner out at second base. (photos by Carlos Rodriguez)
