April 25, 2015
UNIVERSITY, Miss. – A five-run fifth propelled Ole Miss (29-19, 6-13 SEC) to a 5-2 win over South Carolina in the first game on Saturday afternoon at the Ole Miss Softball Complex.
An infield single started the Rebel offense in the fifth, and Alyssa Invergo doubled off the 200-foot sign down the left field line to put both runners in scoring position. A fielder’s choice on Courtney Syrett’s sacrifice bunt pushed home the tying run, and an errant throw let the runner from second score as well to put the Rebels on top 2-1. After a walk, Miranda Strother hit one over the center field wall for a three-run homer to make it 5-1.
The Gamecocks (32-18, 6-13 SEC) posted a run in the second when freshman shortstop Krystan White followed senior catcher Sarah Mooney’s two-out double with a single off the Rebel third baseman’s glove, scoring Mooney.
South Carolina got a run back in the sixth on sophomore Taylor Williams’ two-out single, scoring junior Jordan Bizzell, but the Gamecocks went in order in the seventh.
Rebel starter Madi Osias (11-11) gave up two earned runs on four hits and three walks in the complete-game win. Gamecock Julie Sarratt (16-10) took the loss, allowing five earned runs on six hits and two walks in six innings.
Game Changer:
The error gave the Rebels the lead, but Strother’s home run proved to be the difference.
Key Stat:
The Gamecocks sent the minimum number of batters in four of the final five innings of play.
Notables:
• Junior left fielder Alaynie Page drew two walks in an 0-for-2 day, while sophomore first baseman Kaylea Snaer went 1-for-2 with a walk, the only Gamecocks to reach base twice.
• Invergo ranked as the only Rebel with two hits, going 2-for-3 with a double.
• Natalie Martinez walked twice as well.
Up Next:
The series’ first game resumes at 6:30 p.m. CDT in the top of the second.
