AU softball earns split with Lenoir-Rhyne

By Rodrigo Burgos Avila | Editor in chief

Madalyn Spinks pitched a three-hitter, Grace Bailey had three hits and Eden Parker two to lead Augusta University to a 4-2 win over Lenoir-Rhyne at Jaguar Softball Field on Friday, Feb. 13.

The Lady Jags bounced back in this game after failing to mount a comeback in the first game, scoring in the first inning and then adding two more runs in the third, and finishing up their run tally in the fourth.

That gave the Jaguars (2-4) a split of the doubleheader.

Earlier, the Bears (3-3) recorded a 7-5 win after scoring two runs in the top of the eighth in a tight game.

Spinks struck out four and walked a single batter in six innings to pick up the win. Freshman Ryleigh Music pitched the seventh for AU and allowed a run to secure the victory.

In the opener, Parker hit a two-run homer and Bailey hit a solo home run. Lenoir-Rhyne won it in the eighth on a Kaylan Brown RBI double.

The Bears built an early four-run lead in the opener, but the Jaguars fought back to send the game to the extra inning, showing just how resilient this team can be. They have faced a tough schedule thus far, and that will continue to be the case as they will travel to Anderson for a Valentine’s Day doubleheader. First pitches are scheduled for noon and 2 p.m.

AU baseball routs Claflin, 20-2

Augusta University opened Peach Belt Conference play in emphatic fashion Friday, rolling past Claflin University 20-2. The Jaguars even their conference record at 1-1 and move to 5-4 overall, while the Panthers fall to 3-4 and 0-1 in league action.

Augusta’s offense was relentless, with 11 different players recording RBIs in the win. Nathan Martin paced the lineup with two hits, three RBIs and two runs scored.

The Jaguars wasted no time setting the tone, erupting for six runs in the first inning. Landon Leonard jumpstarted the rally with a two-run double. Davis Newman followed with a two-run single, and Martin added a two-run knock to close out the explosive frame.

After a brief lull in the middle innings, Augusta pulled away for good. The Jaguars pushed across five runs in the fifth inning, capitalizing on patience at the plate and defensive miscues. A run scored on a wild pitch before a bases-loaded walk forced in another. Jakob Cowart reached on an error that allowed Jake Vachon to cross the plate, and Mattheson Go added an RBI single. Another walk later in the inning brought home the fifth run.

The sixth inning removed any doubt. Nolan Turner and Harris Bachelder each delivered RBI singles, Jake Johnson drove in two more with a base hit, and Aidan Cannaday capped the surge with a two-run double as Augusta extended its lead comfortably.

Ty McClintock added the finishing touch with a solo home run in the seventh.

Cowart, Go, Roland Chance, Bachelder, Newman and Martin all tallied two hits apiece in the balanced offensive effort.

On the mound, Griffin Stewart earned his second victory of the season. The right-hander worked five innings, allowing three hits and two runs while striking out six.

Claflin dropped to 0-1 and 3-4.

The two teams play again Saturday, Feb. 14, in a doubleheader. The opener is at 1 p.m.

Contact Rodrigo Burgos Avila at rburgosavila@augusta.edu.