Eagles Use Home Runs, Solid Pitching To Eliminate Chattanooga 3-0
5/13/2010 11:28:00 PM | Softball
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (Georgia Southern) - The Eagles rode the long ball to a 3-0 victory over Chattanooga in a Southern Conference Tournament elimination game Thursday night, belting two home runs to defeat the top seed.
Senior Jenny Side (Loganville, Ga.) started the fireworks with opposite field shot to right in the bottom of the second inning. Junior Megen Smith (Springfield, Ga.) kept the momentum going with a two-run blast off the scoreboard in left-centerfield in the bottom of the third to give the Eagles (30-25) the 3-0 advantage.
With her 18th home run of the season, Smith claimed sole possession of second in a single season in SoCon history. Western Carolina's Ashley Adams set the record at 21 in 2006.
Smith was equally as impressive in the circle, holding the Mocs scoreless in 4.1 innings pitched. In the top of the third inning, Chattanooga (38-17) loaded the bases with no outs, but Smith struck out Tiffany Baker, and then made a diving catch on a bunt attempt by Kasey Tydingco. The Eagle pitcher then threw to third for the double-play, ending the threat.
Smith improved to 8-13 on the season, allowing four hits in 4.1 innings with three strikeouts. Junior Brianna Streetmon (Winder, Ga.) earned her fifth save of the season, entering in the top of the fifth with two on and one out. She closed the door on the threat and held Chattanooga hitless threw 2.2 innings of relief with four strikeouts.
Kandice Irwin (11-2) was charged with the loss for Chattanooga, allowing three runs, one earned, on three hits with three strikeouts. Brooke Loudermilk finished the game, holding the Eagles hitless through the final three innings.
Georgia Southern advanced to the second day of competition in the Southern Conference Tournament, and will face the loser between Elon and UNC Greensboro Friday at 11 a.m. Fans can follow live stats at www.georgiasoutherneagles.com or scores at www.twitter.com/gsuscores.
