AUGUSTA, Ga. — The Augusta University softball team picked up a pair of nonconference wins on Tuesday afternoon at Jaguar Field, defeating Belmont Abbey 2-1 in game one before completing the sweep with a 7-3 victory in game two. With the two wins, Augusta improved to 4-6 on the season, while Belmont Abbey fell to 2-6.
GAME ONE — Augusta 2, Belmont Abbey 1
In a tightly contested opener, Augusta used a pair of home runs and a complete-game performance in the circle to secure a 2-1 win.
Belmont Abbey struck first in the top of the fourth inning after a double and a walk set the table. The Crusaders pushed across a run on an RBI fielder's choice to take a 1-0 lead.
Augusta answered immediately in the bottom half of the inning as Eden Parker launched a solo home run to tie the game at 1-1.
The Jaguars broke the tie in the bottom of the sixth inning when Payton Terrell delivered an RBI single to give Augusta a 2-1 advantage.
Ansley Gibson earned the win in the circle, throwing all seven innings while allowing one run on six hits with five strikeouts. Augusta finished with six hits in the victory, led by Sam Tener who went 2-for-3 at the plate. Grace Bailey added a double, while Terrell went 1-for-3 with the go-ahead RBI.
GAME TWO — Augusta 7, Belmont Abbey 3
Augusta jumped out early in game two and used a big sixth inning to pull away for a 7-3 win.
The Jaguars opened the scoring in the bottom of the first inning. After Sam Tener worked a leadoff walk, Augusta loaded the bases and Sydney Gilbert delivered a three-run triple down the right field line to put the Jaguars ahead 3-0.
Belmont Abbey got on the board in the top of the third inning, cutting the lead to 3-1.
Augusta maintained control and added four more runs in the bottom of the sixth inning. Payton Terrell singled to start the inning, and after a pinch-hit single from Kaylynn Scaffe, Gilbert laid down a bunt single to load the bases. Kelsea Moody brought in a run with a sacrifice fly, followed by Victoria Oropeza adding another RBI on a sacrifice fly. Ansley Gibson then capped the inning with a two-run home run to extend the lead to 7-1.
Belmont Abbey scored two runs in the top of the seventh, but the Jaguars closed out the win to complete the sweep.
Kristyn Ezzo earned the win in the circle, going the distance while allowing three runs on eight hits with seven strikeouts. Gilbert finished 2-for-3 with three RBIs and a triple, while Terrell reached base three times with a hit and two walks. Scaffe added a pinch-hit single, and Gibson's two-run home run provided the key late insurance.
UP NEXT
Augusta returns to action on Friday, Feb. 20, hosting North Greenville for a nonconference matchup at Jaguar Field. First pitch is set for 1 p.m. Live stats and video will be available at augustajags.com.
