FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 4-14-07

College Softball: GCSU 12 (6 inn.) -4, AASU 2-5 (8 inn.)

SAVANNAH, Ga. – Natalie Vogler’s bases-loaded single in the bottom of the eighth inning drove home the winning run, giving AASU a 5-4 win and a doubleheader split with GCSU on Saturday afternoon at the AASU softball field in both teams’ final regular season contest.

The Pirates (26-14, 11-9 PBC) loaded the bases with one out in the bottom of the eighth against GCSU hurler Mandy Chandler (20-8) on a walk and back-to-back singles by Amanda Vickers and Tori Richter. Chandler induced a fielder’s choice from Sara Morris, bringing up Vogler with two outs. The AASU second baseman drilled a pitch into left field, scoring Vickers with the winning run. Jessica Waters (13-6) picked up the win, hurling all eight innings, scattering nine hits and giving up four runs – three on solo home runs by Bobcat batters Deidra Baitey, Keidra Baitey and Nikki Smitih – while striking out three. Chandler gave up two runs – one earned – in 5 1/3 innings to take the loss.

Game one was all Bobcats as GCSU (33-17, 13-7 PBC) pounded out a season-high 18 hits in the six-inning 12-2 victory. The Baitey sisters did plenty of damage for the Bobcats in game one, combining to go 7-for-9 with five RBI and two home runs. That was plenty of offense for Chandler, who gave up just four hits and two runs – on solo home runs by Natalie Vogler and Nicole Huddleston – in six innings while striking out eight. Courtney Tucker (6-4) took the loss for the Pirates, giving up six hits and four runs in 2 1/3 innings.

Deidra Baitey finished the doubleheader by going 6-for-8 with two home runs and four RBI to lead the Bobcats at the plate, while Vogler had four hits in the double dip, including the solo home run in game one and the game winner in game two. Both teams will now head to the Peach Belt Conference Championships on May 20-22 in Hepzibah, Ga. Other action going on this weekend will determine seedings, with GCSU finishing anywhere from second to fourth, while AASU will either be the fourth or fifth seed.

- Pirates -