Box Score - South Alabama 2, Central Arkansas 0.pdf
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MOBILE, Ala. – Amanda Minahan delivered a two-run home run to center field in the third and Devin Brown tossed a one-hit shutout to lead the University of South Alabama softball team to a 2-0 victory Friday afternoon in its opening game of the 2017 Sand Dollar Classic held at Jaguar Field.

"We knew last night that [Central Arkansas] made some mistakes that were uncharacteristic for them and that they weren't going to make those mistakes tonight," South Alabama head coach Becky Clark said.  "Central Arkansas played a good game tonight and they are a very good club.  Our mentality tonight was just to be consistent in our approach.  

We're in a tournament setting here and it was different being the visitor on the scoreboard.  It took us a little bit to get adjusted; we were a little sped up at the beginning of the game and left some people on base.  It's early in the year and that part will get taken care of."

South Alabama (2-0) will host Houston Baptist (12:30 p.m.) and Jacksonville State (5:30 p.m.) on Saturday before closing out the weekend against Alabama State on Sunday at 3 p.m.

Live stats for every game of the Sand Dollar Classic can be accessed at www.USAJaguars.com, while only games with the Jaguars competing will be live streamed on JagNation TV.  Fans can purchase tickets Friday-Sunday and that ticket will cover all games played on that particular day.  Tournament seating is $15 for reserved seating and $10 for general admission.

Kaleigh Todd led the Jaguars at the plate with a pair of hits, while MC Nichols, Haleigh Lane, Katelyn Gruich. Abby Krzywiecki and Minahan each had a hit for USA as well.  

Brown (1-0) allowed just two base runners on the evening – an infield hit and a hit batter – went the distance for her 32nd complete game of her career.  It was also the Mobile native's 14th shutout as a Jag.  Brown retired 22 of the 23 batters that she faced and struck out 10.

"Devin [Brown] was very efficient tonight; she only used 87 pitches," Clark said of the junior's performance.  "She was able to get ahead a lot."

The junior right-hander recorded three one-two-three innings and recorded two strikes or more strikeouts in an inning three times, including striking out the side in the second inning.

"I was just trying to find the strike zone and make good pitches and not try to do too much," Brown said.  "It's big to be able to get ahead in the count because you are then able to play around with things a little bit more.  If you get behind, you are having to dig yourself out of that hole."

Katie Myers had the lone hit for Central Arkansas (0-3).  Ellie Reaves took the loss, dropping her to 0-1 on the season as she allowed seven hits in addition to the two Jag runs, while striking out three.

After leaving four runners on over the first two innings, the Jaguars broke a scoreless tie with a pair of runs in the top of the third.  With one away and a runner on base, Minahan delivered the big blow of the contest as she belted a two-run homer to center, scoring Haleigh Lowe.  The home run was Minahan's first of the season and 18th of her career moving the senior outfielder into a tie with former Jag Jenny Stevens for fifth on South's career chart.

"The pitching we got last night and the pitching we got tonight always gives you a chance [to win]," Clark added.  "[Amanda] Minahan was big for us again.  She's having balanced at-bats; she looks comfortable and isn't pressing; especially this early in the year.  Minahan looks mid-season comfortable at the plate and I'm happy to see that for her."

The two runs would be all Brown would need as she continued her dominance in the circle, allowing one Bear base runner over the final five innings of work.

For more information about South Alabama athletics, check back with www.usajaguars.com, and follow the Jaguars at www.twitter.com/USAJaguarSports. Season tickets for all Jaguar athletic events can be purchased by calling (251) 461-1USA (1872).

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