MILLEDGEVILLE, Ga. – Georgia Southwestern leaned on complete-game performances in the circle and timely situational hitting Friday afternoon, sweeping Emmanuel University 5-2 and 4-1 to improve to 8-3 on the season.
The Hurricanes capitalized on defensive miscues, manufactured runs with aggressive baserunning, and received strong outings from
Caylee Johnson and
Jacquelyn Burns to secure both ends of the doubleheader.
Friday's Top Performers
- Kendall Huelsman: 4-for-4, 2B, 3 RBI, 2 R, SB
- Simone Gillispie: 2-for-5, 2 RBI
- Madison Banks: 2-for-6, 3B, RBI, 3 R
- Caylee Johnson: 7.0 IP, 3 H, 2 R (0 ER), 5 BB (Game 1 win)
- Jacquelyn Burns: 7.0 IP, 7 H, 1 R (1 ER), 3 BB (Game 2 win)
Game 1 – Hurricanes Capitalize Late in 5-2 Victory
GSW struck first in the opener and never trailed, using patience and pressure to wear down Emmanuel in a 5-2 win.
Riley Ernst ignited the offense in the first inning by reaching on an error and swiping second before eventually coming around to score for a 1-0 lead. After Emmanuel tied the game with two unearned runs in the fourth, the Hurricanes answered immediately.
Madison Banks singled to spark the fourth-inning response, and
Kendall Huelsman delivered an RBI single to even the score at 2-2.
The Hurricanes broke things open in the sixth.
Erin Garland reached and moved into scoring position before
Simone Gillispie laced a two-RBI single to left, giving GSW breathing room at 5-2.
Johnson (4-2) was steady throughout, tossing a complete game while allowing just three hits. Only one Emmanuel runner advanced past second after the fourth inning as Johnson induced soft contact and fly-ball outs to close the door.
GSW finished with six hits, drew three walks, and stole four bases in the opener.
Game 2 – Burns, Early Surge Seal 4-1 Win
The Hurricanes wasted no time in the nightcap.
After Banks reached on an error in the first inning, Huelsman doubled to left to plate the game's first run. A wild pitch later in the inning allowed another run to score, giving GSW a quick 2-0 cushion.
Emmanuel trimmed the deficit to 2-1 in the third, but the Hurricanes responded immediately once again.
Ernst drew a walk and stole second to set the table, and Banks ripped a triple to left to extend the lead. Huelsman followed with a single to bring Banks home and push the margin to 4-1.
From there, Burns (3-0) took control. The right-hander scattered seven hits but kept Emmanuel off balance, inducing 14 ground-ball outs and stranding runners in scoring position in both the fifth and seventh innings.
Huelsman was perfect at the plate in Game 2, going 3-for-3 with two RBI and a stolen base.
Next Up
The Lady Hurricanes travel to Miles College on Tuesday for a doubleheader starting at 2 p.m. EST.
