WINGATE, N.C. – The Augusta Jaguars fell 8-0 and 9-2 on Wednesday afternoon in a non-conference doubleheader against the Wingate Bulldogs at the WU Softball Complex.  

The Jags (0-8) swept Wingate (4-2) the last time out on March 10, 2015 with two victories, but the Bulldogs avenged last season's sweep with back-to-back wins on a windy and chilly afternoon.

Four runs in the second inning of game one boosted the Bulldogs ahead after four hits and a passed ball started the scoring. An RBI single in the third and two-run homer in the fourth pushed the lead and Augusta gave up one more in the fifth to fall 8-0 in five innings.

Sophomore transfers Carolyn Edwards and Erin Holcomb each had a hit for the total Jaguar offense, while Wingate put up 12 hits.

Jaguar senior Paige Deschaine gave up 11 knocks for seven runs and struck out one in her 3.0 innings pitched. Junior righty Kristen Mills came out of the bullpen and pitched 1.2 innings, giving up one run on a lone hit.

Shannen Adams was 3-3 for Wingate and Mellena Helms and Taylor Wells were 2-3 in the first game.

Scoring two runs in the first, second, and third innings, the Bulldogs led early again in game two, but the Jags scored two to spoil the shutout.

Senior Casey Rowland and sophomore Lindsey Stokes slapped consecutive singles to begin the fourth inning. Junior Ashley Benton laid down a sacrifice bunt to advance the runners and junior Ashley Benton delivered a two-run single through the right side for a 6-2 game.

The Jags allowed three more runs to fall 9-2, Benton went 2-4 in the leadoff spot in game two and Rowland was 2-3 with a scored run.

Lefty senior Haley Birkle pitched 6.0 innings in game two for Augusta and struck out four while allowing 12 hits for nine runs (eight earned).

Augusta plays a non-conference doubleheader at Anderson on Saturday, Feb. 13 beginning at 2:00 p.m., in Anderson, S.C. The Jags host their 2016 home opener on Wednesday, Feb. 17 for a 1:00 p.m. doubleheader against the Erskine Flying Fleet.

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