COLUMBUS, Ga. – Armstrong Atlantic State
continued its surprising run through the South Atlantic Regional
here Sunday with a 2-1 win over Wingate. The Pirates (40-26) move
on to face Lenoir-Rhyne in another elimination game as soon as
the weather permits on Sunday. Yet another thundershower erupted
as soon as the last out was made in the game and is causing yet
another delay in play.AASU plated the game-winning run in the top of the sixth inning, breaking up a 1-1 tie. Jeana Short doubled to left-center with two outs in the inning and then stole third as she beat a pick-off attempt at second and slid into third safely. Ashley Bain then delivered a huge base hit to score Short and make it 2-1.
"Every game is a nail biter and I feel that no one is playing any tougher than we are," said AASU coach Ted Evans. "We are playing more solid and I feel that our strenght of schedule in the regular season is really paying off now."
Heather Woods did the rest, recording six consecutive outs in the sixth and seventh to earn the win. She allowed just three hits on the day and only one unearned run with four walks and three strikeouts.
Wingate's Ashley Green was almost as good, hurling a four-hitter with two walks and two strikeouts to take the loss. Green (27-8) allowed two earned runs.
AASU took the early lead with a run in the top of the first. Danielle Bertram led off the game with a double and moved to third on a sacrifice bunt by Deanna Beaty. Amber Hunt got her home with a fly ball to left field for the 1-0 lead.
Wingate (47-11) tied the game in the fourth inning, taking advantage of an error to go with three hits. Heather Winchester's groundball was misplayed at shortstop by Beaty and Joy Henry scored on the play to tie the game. Kimee Lewis and Hallie Pettigrew each singled after the error to load the bases, but Grace Cunningham's fly ball to right ended the threat.
"My hat goes off to AASU - they executed and had the timely hits needed to win this game," said Bulldog coach Michelle Caddigan. "I cannot feel anything but good about our season and appreciate each and every player's efforts during this fantastic season. We will sorely miss our seniors and wish them the best of luck in their future endeavors."
No player had more than one hit in the game dominated by the two pitchers. Hunt and Bain had the RBI for the Pirates.
Officials hope to get at least one more game in on Sunday, but the weather is wreaking havoc with the schedule. Small lines of showers continue to pop up around the Columbus area forcing even more water into an already drenched playing surface.