By Thomas Corhern, TTU Sports Information
GREENSBORO, N.C. – After striking out 14 on Saturday, Lainey Fitzgerald had another awesome performance on Sunday as she showcased the offensive side of her game, coming through with a clutch home run to even the game against Iona. The Tennessee Tech softball team finished out the game with a 3-2 victory over the Gaels to wrap up its action in the UNCG Invitational.
All three of Tech's runs came in the fifth inning as the Golden Eagles (6-6) rallied from a 2-0 deficit with Sofia Carroll providing the game-winning hit with a double to left center to drive in pinch-runner Bailee Stack.
That came after Sydney Kirby led off the Tech 5th with a double down the left-field line. Julie Martin was brought in as a pinch-runner. Fitzgerald fouled off the first pitch, then took a ball on the second. The third was launched to center field and over the fence tying the game.
After a flyout and a five-pitch walk to Jailynn Paderez, Stack came in to run at first and stole second as Carroll stood at the plate. Following a strike and a ball, Carroll ripped a double to left center to bring Stack rushing home and put the Golden Eagles on top.
Iona (1-7) left the bases loaded in the fourth and sixth innings. The Gaels got their first run in the opening frame as Hailey Guerrero hit a solo home run. Iona's second run came in the fourth inning as Kenadie Gonzalez singled to third base to drive in Brianna Bailey.
Fitzgerald improved to 3-0 on the season as she went the distance, allowing two runs on six hits. She walked one and struck out six to give her an even 20 strikeouts for the weekend.
Kirby finished the game 2-for-3 at the plate, while Abby Shoulders had the other hit for the Golden Eagles.
Hoppe took the loss to fall to 0-4 on the season, allowing three runs on four hits over 4 1/3 innings, walking two and struck out two. Rieb pitched the final inning and two-thirds, yielding one hit with two walks and two strikeouts.
The Golden Eagles return to action on Friday as they head to Bowling Green for the Hilltopper Spring Fling. They'll take on Evansville and host Western Kentucky the first day, then Kentucky and Evansville on the second day before taking on the hosts one more time on Sunday.
Tech will then open the home season on March 5 as they host Bellarmine.
Photo | Thomas Corhern, TTU Sports Information
