AIKEN, S.C. — Behind another dominant outing in the circle from left-hander
Pyper McCard, Georgia Southwestern opened its Peach Belt Conference series with a 4-3 extra-inning victory over the University of South Carolina Aiken Friday evening.
McCard tossed a complete-game effort, striking out nine while allowing just one walk, as the Hurricanes improved to 13-13 overall and 2-5 in conference play.
McCard Continues Scoreless Streak Early
McCard carried a streak of 18 consecutive scoreless innings into the seventh inning and was in control throughout the early portion of the game. She scattered seven hits across eight innings and limited free passes, continuing a strong trend for the pitching staff.
GSW pitchers have now issued no more than one walk in five of their last six games, while the nine strikeouts marked the second-highest single-game total of the season.
Hurricanes Strike First
After a quiet first two innings, the Hurricanes broke through in the third.
Baelee Garland led off with a single and eventually came around to score on an RBI single from
Erin Garland.
Moments later, aggressive baserunning paid off.
Madison Banks singled and stole second, while
Erin Garland stole home to give GSW a 2-0 lead.
Banks' performance marked her team-leading 10th multi-hit game of the season, finishing 2-for-3 at the plate.
Adding On and Holding Off
GSW extended its lead to 3-0 in the fifth inning when
Erin Garland delivered again, ripping an RBI double down the right-field line to score
Riley Ernst.
The Hurricanes continued to pressure on the bases, swiping six stolen bases in the contest—matching a season high for the third consecutive game.
Seventh-Inning Challenge
USCA finally broke through in the bottom of the seventh, ending McCard's scoreless streak. The Pacers strung together key hits, including a two-run triple and an RBI single, to tie the game at 3-3 and force extra innings.
Clutch Response in Extras
GSW answered immediately in the top of the eighth. After
Kendall Huelsman advanced into scoring position,
Lani Dansby delivered the decisive blow with an RBI single, taking advantage of a defensive miscue to put the Hurricanes back on top, 4-3.
McCard returned to the circle in the bottom half and shut the door, retiring the side to secure the victory.
Next Up
The series wraps up Saturday with a doubleheader at 1 p.m.
