College Softball: North Georgia 7-2, AASU 4-7

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 3-17-08

College Softball: North Georgia 7-2, AASU 4-7

SAVANNAH, Ga. (March 17) – St. Patrick’s Day turned into Home Run Derby in Monday’s Peach Belt Conference softball doubleheader between visiting North Georgia and host Armstrong Atlantic State. Courtney McGuire’s three-run home run in the top of the seventh gave the Saints a 7-4 win over the Pirates in game one, but AASU came back to win game two, 7-2, thanks to Natalie Vogler’s monster day.

McGuire and third baseman Tiffany Blackburn combined to drive in all seven of North Georgia’s runs in game one, giving the Saints (16-4, 2-2 PBC) the victory. Blackburn started things off with a two-run home run in the top of the first inning, then added a two-run double in the fifth inning. With the score tied at four in the top of the seventh and a runner on second, the Pirates intentionally walked Blackburn, bringing up McGuire. The right fielder hit the first pitch from Jacquie Crane (6-5) over the left field wall for a three-run shot and the game winner.

Nicole Adkison (3-0) hurled 2 1/3 innings of scoreless relief to pick up the win for North Georgia, while Crane gave up 10 hits and all seven runs in 6 2/3 innings, despite striking out nine, to take the loss.

It was Natalie Vogler’s turn in game two as the Pirates (20-13, 7-3 PBC) battled back to earn the split. Vogler, who went 2-for-3 with a solo home run in game one, delivered two-run home runs in the first and the third innings, giving AASU a 4-2 lead. Vogler added a sacrifice fly in the fifth, then Erin Billingsley launched her first home run of the year, a two-run shot in the bottom of the sixth to cap the scoring in AASU’s 7-2 win.

Sam Floyd (6-6) hurled a three-hitter, giving up two unearned runs and striking out six to pick up the win for AASU. Trish Snider (4-2) gave up three hits and four runs in 2 1/3 innings to take the loss.

Vogler finished the doubleheader 4-for-6 with three home runs and eight RBI to lead the Pirates, while McGuire collected three hits and drove in three for the Saints on the day.

AASU returns to action on Wednesday, March 19, with a Noon doubleheader against Trevecca Nazarene. North Georgia is next in action on Wednesday as well with a road doubleheader at Mount Olive at 1:00 p.m.

- Pirates -