USA-FAMU Box
USA-UCF Box
ORLANDO, Fla. – The University of South Alabama went 2-0 on day one of the Central Florida Classic, defeating Florida A&M 8-2 in game one and Central Florida 7-3 in game two.
After day one, the Jags improved to 15-3 and are now on a program-high nine game win streak.
“We had great pitching today,” USA head coach Becky Clark said. “Lindsey and Hannah pounded the strike zone and threw big pitches when we need them to. Our batting picked up in game two and we started to really hit the ball. All around, I think that we had a great day today.”
Junior pitcher Lindsey Croft earned her sixth win of the season striking out a game-high eight batters in the Jags 8-2 victory over Florida A&M.
Brittany Fowler, Meghan Collins and Carolina Mendoza led USA at the plate. Fowler went 2-for-3 driving in three RBI, while Meghan Collins was a perfect 2-for-2 scoring one and driving in one and Mendoza was 2-for-3 scoring two. Christin Crocker recorded her fifth home run of the season, and is now one behind Jenny Stevens (6) and Haley Hopkins (6) on the season.
The Rattlers scored the first run of the game in the top of the third when Tenish Dixon tripled to right center and then advanced home on a wild pitch.
The Jags answered the in the bottom half inning scoring three runs on two hits. Carolina Mendoza singled and then advanced to second on a throwing error. The next batter, Stevens reached on a fielding error to drive in Collins who singled to begin the inning. Stevens then stole second and Mendoza scored on a throwing error. Britany Campbell hit a bunt single and then stole second to plate Stevens and put the Jags up 3-1.
Fowler hit a bases clearing double in the fourth to score Mendoza who singled to begin the inning, and Stevens who reached on a fielder’s choice.
South Alabama scored its final two runs of the game in the bottom of the fifth. Crocker hit a solo home run over the left field wall. USA’s Katy Neal doubled to left and Collins followed with an RBI-single.
FAMU tacked on one run in the in the top of the seventh.
Jenn Lindsey took the loss for the Rattlers in six innings striking out three and allowing eight runs – five of which were earned.
In game two, Neal’s two RBI- home run helped lift the Jags over tournament host Central Florida, 7-3.
The Jaguars took a 1-0 lead in the top of the first. Campbell walked to begin the inning and Fowler followed with a single to right center. Hopkins then hit a sacrifice fly to drive in Campbell.
Central Florida (5-13) evened the score in the bottom half inning.
In the top of the second, Neal reached on an error and Medoza was walked to begin the inning. Stevens then reached on a dropped fly plating Neal and Mendoza.
The Knights rallied to tie the game in the bottom of the second, scoring two runs on two hits. P Fee hit a two-RBI homer over the left field wall driving in V. Perez who singled to second to get on base.
The Jags went up 5-2 in the fifth. Katy Neal launched a two-RBI home run over the left field wall driving in Hopkins, who was walked to begin the inning.
The Jags broke the scoring open in the top of the sixth scoring two runs on three hits. To start the inning, Stevens and Campbell hit back-to-back singles. Hopkins then reached on an error scoring Stevens. The next batter, Crocker hit a RBI-single to third plating Campbell and giving the Jags a 7-3 advantage.
USA outhit the Knight’s 9-3.
Hannah Campbell (5-2) went the distance in circle, striking out five and allowing only three hits.
Lacey Dinney took the loss for UCF in five innings of work. Ashley Schmitt pitched two innings of relief striking out two.
South Alabama returns to action Saturday at 9:30 when they take on Virginia Tech.
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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