No. 11 Georgia defeated South Alabama 8-0 in five innings on Friday during the opening day of the 17th Annual Bulldog Classic at Turner Softball Complex in Athens, Georgia. The Bulldogs scored multiple runs in each of the first three innings and pitcher Randi Roelling held South Alabama hitless throughout the game.
Georgia took an early lead with a two-run home run by Sarah Gordon in the first inning, scoring Jaydyn Goodwin. In the second inning, Bailey Lindermuth doubled to bring home Emily Digby, followed by an RBI single from Keirstin Roose. The third inning saw Emma Castorri hit a three-run homer after Goodwin and Gordon reached base, extending Georgia’s lead to 7-0.
Tyler Ellison added a solo home run in the fifth inning, her sixth of the season, which ended the game due to run-rule regulations.
South Alabama’s only baserunner was Presley Lively, who walked to start the game and extended her streak of reaching base safely to 17 games. However, Roelling retired the next 15 batters and struck out seven over five innings.
Goodwin finished with two hits and two runs scored for Georgia. Gordon reached base twice, scored twice, and drove in two runs. Castorri had three RBIs as well. Three different players—Goodwin, Gordon, and Ellison—hit home runs for Georgia.
South Alabama’s loss ended their four-game winning streak. It was also noted that this was the first time since last season that South Alabama had been no-hit by an opponent.
Head coach Becky Clark commented on the outcome: “Tonight has to be a learning experience for us. There are a lot of adjustments on both sides of the ball going into tomorrow. We will bounce back and be ready to go tomorrow.”
The teams have now met five times overall and four times in Athens. Pitcher Olivia Harrison allowed eight earned runs after giving up just 13 in her previous 12 outings this season.
South Alabama will continue play at the Bulldog Classic with games against UNC Wilmington at 9:30 am (CT) and another matchup against Georgia at noon (CT) on Saturday.
For more information about South Alabama softball or updates on future games, fans can follow @SouthAlabamaSB on Twitter or visit usajaguars.com.
