AUGUSTA, Ga. – Augusta University softball earned a critical 3-2 walk-off win over Lander University on Friday evening at Jaguar Field. With the victory, Augusta moves to 29-25 overall and improves its chances of securing a Peach Belt Conference Tournament berth, pending results from the final weekend of regular season play.
Augusta 3, Lander 2
After falling behind 2-0 in the first inning, Augusta responded immediately with two runs in the bottom of the second. Payton Terrell opened the inning with a double to left field and moved to third on a sacrifice bunt by Cadance Winder. Nevaeh Ross followed with an RBI single to center to cut the deficit in half. Grace Bailey then singled through the right side, and Kaylynn Scaffe drove in Ross with a sacrifice fly to tie the game 2-2.
From there, Augusta's pitching staff took control. Madalyn Spinks started but was relieved by Ansley Gibson, who threw 6.1 scoreless innings, allowing just five hits and striking out two to pick up her 11th win of the season.
The Jaguars completed the comeback in the bottom of the seventh. Scaffe singled to left to start the inning, and Sam Tener reached on a bunt fielder's choice to put two runners aboard. After a sacrifice bunt by Chesney Miles moved the runners up, Bailee Roberts hit a ground ball that was misplayed by the Lander shortstop, allowing Scaffe to score the game-winning run.
Ross finished 3-for-3 with an RBI, while Terrell went 2-for-3 with a double and a run scored. Scaffe added a hit, an RBI, and scored twice. Augusta totaled nine hits and did not issue a walk offensively. The Jaguars committed two errors but held Lander to 2-for-13 with runners in scoring position.
Up Next
Augusta and Lander return to action tomorrow, Saturday, April 26, for a Senior Day doubleheader at Jaguar Field. First pitch is scheduled for 1:00 p.m.