Jags softball picks up their first win of the season, with a big hit and a run scoring on an error. The Jags would then get the final 3 outs to win 5-3 vs St. John’s at the NFCA Leadoff Classic.
South Alabama started off the scoring in the top of the 1st inning. Mackenzie Brasher walked on 5 pitches to lead off the game. Meredith Keel doubled down the right field line advancing Brasher to 3rd. Sasha Willem would then sac bunt into a double play but Brasher would score and the Jags would lead 1-0. Odalys Cordova would ground out to 3rd to end the inning.
The Jags would add on to the lead in the top of the 4th. Sasha Willem would single to the shortstop on the second pitch of the at bat. Odalys Cordova struck out for the first out. Gabby Stagner doubled two right center scoring Willem. Jaguars lead 2-0.
St. John’s would score two in the bottom of the fourth making the score 2-2 Jags.
The Jags would score again in the top of the 6th. Meredith Keel would fly out to center. Sasha Willem would get hit by a pitch then advance to second on a wild pitch. Odalys Cordova would single to left but get thrown out at second trying to stretch it into a double. Willem would score on the play. Jaguars lead 3-2.
St. John’s would tie it back up in the bottom of the 6th inning.
South Alabama would then take the lead again in the top of the 7th. Pinch hitter Stephanie Gonzalez would fly out to center field, for out number one. Victoria Ortiz would pop up to the shortstop on the first pitch for out number 2. Marley Sims would reach base on an error by the shortstop. Mackenzie Brasher then singled to center, and Sims would advance to 2nd. Meredith Keel then got an RBI single to center scoring Brasher and advanced to third on a throwing error, which also scored Sims on the play. Jags lead 5-3.
In the bottom of the 7th St John’s went down with relative ease. The Jags win the final score 5-3.
Olivia Lackey would start the game for the Jags. She went 3 2/3 innings 72 pitches giving up 2 runs 1 earned. Jenna Hardy would come in relief and get the victory. She went 3 1/3 innings on 52 pitches giving up 4 hits and 1 unearned run. Hardy is 1-0 on the year.
Game 2 versus #12 Tennessee was ruled a no contest due to rain that moved into the area. The Volunteers were up 5-2 in the 2nd. The stats and records, however, will not count for that game. The game will not be rescheduled.
Next up for the Jags The final day of the NFCA Leadoff Classic in Clearwater Florida. The Jaguars will take on Indiana Sunday February 12th at 11:30 am.
