USA-VTU
USA-MU
ORLANDO, Fla. – Strong pitching performances guide the Jags to two wins over Virginia Tech 3-2, and Monmouth 9-2 on day two of the University of Central Florida Invitational in Orlando, Fla.
“I thought that we had two great team wins today.” USA head coach Becky Clark said. “The Kids really battled to come back and win in the first game. Our players are playing with a lot of confidence and I am really proud of the way that they fought today. All three pitchers did a great job and made big pitches when we needed them to.”
On day two, the Jaguars improved to 17-3 and are now on an 11 game win streak. In game one the Jags defeated 38th ranked Virginia Tech.
Morgan Druhan went the distance in the circle striking out 10 batters and allowing only one earned run.
The Jaguars scored three runs in the bottom of the sixth to come from behind and defeat its first ever Atlantic Coast Conference opponent VTU. Carolina Mendoza singled to drive in the game winning run.
Virginia Tech (13-4) jumped out to an early lead scoring one run in the top of the first.
The Hokies went up 2-0 in the top of the third.
Carolina Mendoza led the Jags at the plate going 2-for-3 and driving in one. Jenny Stevens, Brittany Fowler, Haley Hopkins and Meghan Collins all recorded a hit for the Jaguars.
K. Roark took the loss for the Hokies in 6.1 innings striking out four South Alabama batters.
In game two, Katy Neal hit her fourth home run of the season to help lead the Jags to 9-2 victory over Monmouth.
Lindsey Croft (6-0) earned the win in five innings striking out five batters. Hannah Campbell earned her third save of the season after pitching two innings of relief and striking out three.
Meghan Collins recorded a 2-for-3 performance to lead the Jaguars at the plate. Campbell, Fowler, Hopkins and Neal all recorded a hit for USA.
USA took a 3-0 lead in the first. Steven’s singled and then stole second to start the inning. Campbell then doubled to right center to push Stevens to third. The next batter, Fowler reached on a fielder’s choice to drive in Stevens.
Crocker hit a sacrifice fly to plate Fowler and Haley Hopkins then advanced home on a throwing error.
Monmouth threatened to take to tie the game in the third scoring two runs on one hit.
Katy Neal launched a home run over the left field wall put the Jags up 4-2 in the fourth.
In the fifth, Crocker reached on a fielder’s choice to drive in Stevens.
The Jags broke the scoring open in the sixth scoring four runs on two hits.
South Alabama returns to action Sunday at 11 a.m. in the Championship game.
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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