Pitchers continue to roll as AU softball extends winning streak to five in a row
By Chris Rickerson | Sports writer
The Augusta University softball team won both games of a doubleheader against rival USC Aiken by the scores of 10-0 and 4-0 on Saturday, April 10, at Jaguar Field.
The Jaguars dominated the first game of the doubleheader, ending it early in five innings.
Junior Mary Tillman had an outstanding performance, throwing a one-hitter and striking out nine for the Jaguars.
In the second game, Chloe Wilson tossed a six-hitter to complete the sweep.
“Mary and Chloe are pitching very well, only giving up one run in the last couple games,” said AU Coach Melissa Brocato. “Mary was also named Peach Belt player of the week for her performance this week, and we were just happy for her.”
Senior Lindsey South and junior Aminah Wood led Augusta batting in the first game, getting two runs and two hits apiece.
Augusta pitching continued to dominate in game two of the doubleheader with freshman Wilson throwing seven innings with eight strikeouts.
Junior Jakayla Sullivan hit a three-run homer in the bottom of fifth and led the Jaguars’ hitters in the 4-0 victory.
These wins put the Jaguars (7-9, 13-19) on a five-game winning streak after struggling to buy a win in the middle of March. Augusta was previously on a long eleven game losing streak in the season.
“We actually have been playing well before the five wins; we have just been telling the team that wins will come soon,” said Brocato. “We lost two very close games recently to some really good teams, Young Harris and North Georgia, but I think they realized that there in these games. Now let’s start winning some of these games against some of this competition, and I think we all got tired of losing these close games, and they turned the corner when they played Columbus State.”
Brocato also had some comments on the team’s preparation for the upcoming games.
“The players didn’t get much of a spring break because of the games and practice, so we gave them a couple days off,” she said. “That way when they come back, they will be mentally focused. There is not a lot of things you can work on right now late in the season. We just need to maintain what we have been doing and enjoy playing with each other and playing well.”
Augusta will play a doubleheader at Lander on Sunday, April 18. The opener will be at 2 p.m., followed by game two at 4 p.m.
Contact Chris Rickerson at CRICKERSON@augusta.edu.
Third baseman xxx Luke (L) prepares to field as teammate Mary Tillman pitches for the AU softball team. At the top of the page, Tillman shows her form en route to a one-hitter in a 10-0 win over USC Aiken. (photos by Chris Rickerson)
