AIKEN, S.C. – Augusta University softball earned a 2-0 road win over rival USC Aiken on Friday evening, behind a dominant complete-game performance from Ansley Gibson and key early hits from the heart of the lineup.

Gibson improved to 9-7 on the season after throwing seven scoreless innings, allowing just four hits while striking out eight. The right-hander retired the side in order three times and ended the game with back-to-back strikeouts in the seventh to secure the shutout.

Augusta (23-22, 5-12 PBC) scored the only runs it needed across the second and third innings. In the second, Cadance Winder walked and moved to third on a bunt single from Grace Bailey. Sophie Baker delivered an RBI single up the middle to score Winder and give the Jaguars a 1-0 lead.

Bailee Roberts added insurance in the third with a solo home run to straightaway center. She finished 2-for-3 on the day with a double and a home run. Baker also recorded a hit and an RBI, and Sam Tener added a single in the first inning.

Augusta played clean defense and stranded just five runners in the win. Kaylynn Scaffe recorded two assists at shortstop, and Bailey handled four chances without error at second base.

TheJags wrap the series with a doubleheader on Saturday beginning at 1:00pm. 

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