Softball Drops Finale of Citrus Classic to Wisconsin, 6-4

BOX SCORE (PDF)

KISSIMMEE, FLA. – Georgia Southern Softball closed the 2013 Citrus Classic with a 6-4 loss to Wisconsin at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. A three-run first inning gave GSU an early lead, but runs in the sixth inning gave the lead back to the Badgers. Next weekend, Georgia Southern is back at the friendly confines for the 2013 Eagle Classic

“We played well all weekend, but the bats came alive today for us,” said Head Coach Annie Smith. “Wisconsin is a very good team and today’s game was a great game of softball. We are really excited to be back at home next weekend.”

Wisconsin (9-1) got an early run in the top of the first, but Georgia Southern (7-7) would respond with three in the bottom of the frame. A two-run double by Tabby Doublerley gave the Eagles their first lead of the weekend versus Wisconsin. Douberley scored later in the inning off an Andrea Tarashuk single to left as GSU took a 3-1 lead through one inning of play.

The Badgers cut the lead to one run in the second after putting runners on second and third with no outs to start the inning. That would be all the scoring until the Badgers added three runs in the sixth inning. With the score tied 3-3, Mary Massei plated two more runs with a double to give the Badgers a 5-3 advantage.

The Eagles got the bases loaded with two outs in the bottom of the sixth, but were unable to cut into Wisconsin’s 5-3 lead. Wisconsin tacked on another run in the top of the seventh to lead 6-3 going into Georgia Southern’s final trip to the plate.

Alexa Lewis got the bottom of the seventh started right with a solo home run to cut the lead to 6-4. It was the first four-bagger for Lewis this season and the first home run allowed this season by Wisconsin. It also capped a 3-for-4 day for the senior outfielder. A Kourtny Thomas single brought the tying run to the plate with one out. Two-straight outs, however, would end the game and give the Badgers a 6-4 win.

Sarah Purvis allowed five runs, four earned off seven Wisconsin hits in five and two-thirds innings of work. She struck out six batters on the day, but was replaced by Brooke Red in the sixth. Red worked the final inning and a third allowing one run off three hits while striking out three batters.

Next weekend Georgia Southern is at home for the 2013 Eagle Classic from Eagle Field. Kennesaw State, Florida International, Alabama State and South Carolina will be in town for the tournament which begins on Friday morning at 11:30 a.m. GSU faces Alabama State in the opener for the Eagles on Friday at 3:30 p.m.

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Category: Softball

Published on Sunday, 24 February 2013 11:38