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MOBILE, Ala. – The University of South Alabama softball team defeated Ohio State 8-5 in its home opener Friday night at Jaguar Field.
Freshman pitcher Hannah Campbell earned the win after going the distance, striking out six and allowing only three earned runs.
Brittany Fowler and Meghan Collins led the Jags at the plate. Fowler went a perfect 2-for-2 scoring two runs and driving in one, while Meghan Collins went 3-for-4 driving in one and scoring one.
“Hannah did exactly what we needed her to do tonight which is making tough pitches in tough situations,” USA head coach Becky Clark said. “I thought today was a solid team win.”
The Jags (5-2) jumped out to an early lead in the bottom of the second scoring three runs on two hits. Fowler doubled to left to ignite the Jaguar offense. The next batter, Collins singled up the middle driving in Fowler. The Jags tacked on two more runs when Katy Neal scored on a bases loaded-walk and Collins scored when Hopkins was hit by a pitch.
OSU (2-5) rallied to tie the game when Alicia Herron hit a three RBI-homer to left center.
USA went up 5-3 in the fourth on Britany Campbell’s RBI triple and Fowler’s RBI-double.
The Jags added three more runs in the top of the sixth. Christin Crocker singled to second and then stole second to start the inning. The next batter, Fowler was hit by a pitch. Carolina Mendoza tripled to right center driving in Fowler and Crocker. Followed by Katy Neal’s sacrifice fly down the right field line plating Mendoza.
Ohio State threatened to come back scoring two runs on two hits in the top of the seventh. With two outs, Herron hit an RBI-double and Evelyn Carrillo hit an RBI-single. Campbell struck out the final OSU batter to give the Jags an 8-5 victory.
Karissa Medrano (1-1) took the loss for the Buckeyes in 4.2 innings, allowing six hits and five runs. Kasie Kelly came in for .1 innings, and Brittany Goodchild pitched one inning of relief allowing three earned runs.
The Jags return to action Saturday at 11:15 a.m. when they take on Evansville.
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For more information about South Alabama athletics, check back with www.usajaguars.com. Season tickets for all Jaguar athletic events can be purchased by calling (251) 461-1USA (1872).
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