Augusta softball team sweeps Belmont Abbey behind Tillman, Wilson

By Preston Hall | Sports writer

The Augusta University softball team swept its non-conference doubleheader against Belmont Abbey on Saturday, March 7. 

Game One began as a pitcher's duel as AU junior Mary Tillman dealt all seven innings with only three hits, one walk and no runs with an impressive 10 strikeouts. 

“Mary continues to be solid on the mound,” said AU Coach Melissa Brocato.  

The starting pitcher for Belmont, Alannah Browne, went five innings with only one hit, two walks and no runs with three strikeouts. 

After a pitching change by Belmont Abbey, AU capitalized as junior Aminah Wood connected with a pitch and sent it out of the park for a three-run homer to break the scoreless game. 

Tillman was able to close out the game and keep Belmont off the score board as the Jaguars held onto the 3-0 lead and win the game. 

AU freshman Chloe Wilson was on the mound for Game Two. She also threw all seven innings, just like her predecessor Tillman, and only allowed five hits and two runs with seven strikeouts. 

The Crusaders had three pitchers sharing time on the mound in this game with Annebeth Watkins, Sydney Fields and Alannah Browne. 

AU (6-8) quickly jumped into the lead and never looked back as they scored four runs in the top of the second inning. Senior Lindsey South singled and brought in junior Madelyn Libby and senior Bella Fernandez. 

AU junior Olivia Biles doubled and drove in junior Jakayla Sullivan and South in the fourth as well. 

In the top of the fourth, Augusta added more runs as Aminah Wood hit a single bringing home Biles, Sullivan and South to go up 7-0.

The Jags would add one more run in the inning from Fernandez, who singled, scoring freshman Avery Kalbas.

The Crusaders scored two runs in the fifth inning but could not achieve a comeback as AU secured the win in Game Two, 8-2. Augusta’s overall record now sits at 6-8 while Belmont Abbey’s record falls to 2-8.  

“The whole team had a really good weekend offensively, we played relaxed and had some people step up in key situations” said Brocato.  

AU’s next game will be Saturday, March 13, against Georgia College (2-8) at Jaguar Field. It will be a doubleheader with the first game starting at 1 p.m., followed by the second game at 3 p.m.

Note: At the top of the page, Mary Tillman shows her pitching form during her shutout performance. (photo by Carlos Rodriguez)

Contact Preston Hall at prhall@augusta.edu.