Augusta softball loses both ends of a close doubleheader with Hillsdale
By Chris Rickerson | Sports writer
The Augusta University softball team lost both games of a doubleheader against Hillsdale College by scores of 5-3 and 4-3 on Sunday, March 14, at Jaguar field.
The Jaguars would get on the board first in the opener when junior Aminah Wood hit a single to center field, bringing in freshmen Lauren Slade in the bottom of the first inning.
AU starter Mary Tillman struggled early as Elaine Townley hit a two-run home run in the second inning. The Chargers (9-9) would score again in the third inning after Renee Bielawa hit a double to bring in Kasidy Carson. That made the score 3-1 early.
“Mary didn’t throw bad,” said AU Coach Melissa Brocato. “She just didn’t have her normal strength working for her today, which is her curveball.”
The Jaguars (8-10) would tie the game in the bottom of the fourth inning when junior Madelyn Libby hit a two-run home run bringing in senior Lindsey South.
Augusta would struggle to score anymore in the game and would lose the game after Bielawa for Hillsdale hit a home run in the sixth inning.
Game Two would feature freshman Chloe Wilson on the mound for Augusta against Erin Kapteyn for Hillsdale. This game would be a defensive matchup as neither team would score until the sixth inning. Wilson would pitch a one-hitter through five innings, and Kapteyn would pitch a one-hitter through six innings.
The Chargers would score first as Sam Catron would hit a three-run home run in the top of the sixth inning. Hillsdale would score again in the top of seventh inning when Hailey Holtman hit a solo home run, putting the Chargers ahead 4-0 going into the bottom of seventh.
AU would try to battle back with two outs as senior Bella Fernandez hit a two-run home run, bringing in Libby. Augusta was not done yet as senior Regan Norfleet came into pinch hit and hit a triple. Junior Jakayla Sullivan hit an RBI single bringing in Norfleet, but Lauren Slade grounded out to third to end the game.
“I was proud of them for not giving up,” said Brocato. “That will take us a long way if we can battle and fight a little earlier in games.”
Brocato said the Jaguars would be ready for the next doubleheader.
“We got to come back out and go to work tomorrow,” said Brocato. “Southern Wesleyan is a good team so we have to bring our best game on Tuesday.”
Augusta will play a doubleheader at Southern Wesleyan (10-4) on Tuesday, March 16. Game one will be at noon, followed by game two at 2 p.m.
Contact Chris Rickerson at Crickerson@augusta.edu.
Bella Fernandez (23) belts a two-run homer for the Jaguars during their doubleheader with Hillsdale. At the top of the page, pitcher Mary Tillman delivers to home plate. (photos by Chris Rickerson)
