The JC Softball Bulldogs travelled to Dothan, AL over the weekend to play 4 ball games. Sunday's games were cancelled early because of impending rain but Friday's and Saturday's games were played. The 'Dogs won 3 out of 4 games on the weekend mainly with very good pitching and timely hitting. Speaking of pitching, Sarah Middleton (FR) earned Pitcher of the Week for the GCAA (Georgia Collegiate Athletic Association) by posting 3 wins against 0 losses. With a total of 18 innings pitched she only gave up 3 runs (1.50 ERA) with 15 strikeouts to go with 2 walks. Congratulations Sarah! The following is a short summary of each game from this past weekend:
GAME #1 GMC vs. Coastal Alabama South
For the second time this season the Bulldogs had to go to extra innings. Tied at 4 with Coastal Alabama South, the 'Dogs scored 2 in the top of the 8th inning then held off Coastal to take a 6-4 win. Hannah Henry started in the circle but gave way to Sarah Middleton trailing 4-2. Middleton shut Coastal down to allow the 'Dogs to come back. Natalie Johnson went 3-4 in the game. Lindsey South (2-5, 1 RBI) and Kaedy Borst (2-5, 1 RBI, 1 SB) also had big games.
Game #2 GMC vs. Indian River
Thirteen days ago Indian River threw a no hitter against the Bulldogs and won the game 8-0. Friday's game was a little different. Bulldog freshman pitcher Mackensie Poynter gave up an unearned in the first inning, then proceeded to shut down the powerful Indian River team allowing only 2 hits. South was 2-3 in the game with a run scored in the 1st inning. Carly Rigsby had 1 hit in the game. It was a big hit, however, a solo home run(3) in the 3rd inning. Neither team scored after that and the Bulldogs took a 2-1 victory.
Game #3 GMC vs Snead State
In the first game Saturday morning, GMC came out hitting but could not put them together. Only 3 runs could be mustered out of the 8 hits. Snead State only had 6 hits but put them together to score 5 runs. Poynter was the hard luck loser allowing only 3 hits. South and Poynter had multiple hit games with 2 hits each. Final Score: Snead State 5 GMC 3
Game #4 GMC vs. Pensacola
Game 4 was another rematch game from the JUCO Kickoff Classic, this one against Pensacola. Again, the Bulldogs were looking to avenge a bad loss. Sarah Middleton started in the circle and was dominant, retiring the first 15 batters of the game. She ended up taking the win allowing only 3 hits and 1 run. Offensively, Poynter was 2-3 and scored 2 runs. Kaleigh Sisolak was 2-3 with 2 RBI. Final Score: GMC 3 – Pensacola 1.
According to Coach Bunn, "We still haven't put everything together. This weekend the pitching was really good but we didn't hit as consistently as we need to. There is work to do but the players are working to get there."
Due to the rain, GMC was able to pick up another home date. Lake Land College from Illinois will be in town Friday, Feb. 16 with game one starting at 2:00. Plan to come and see your Bulldogs as they hit the field.