CHARLOTTE, N.C.- Trailing 3-0 entering the top of the seventh inning, Scarlett Harris launched a grand slam home run to give the Gardner-Webb softball team (1-1) a 4-3 come-from-behind victory over Charlotte (1-1) in the first game of the season-opening doubleheader on Saturday afternoon.
The 49ers earned a split in Saturday's double-header, defeating the Runnin' Bulldogs 10-2.
"The girls battled all afternoon long, and got behind early on in the game. They continued to battle hard, and loaded the bases up in the seventh inning. Scarlett Harris came up with a huge grand slam," commented Gardner-Webb softball coach Tom Cole. "Summer Darnell threw an excellent game, and Sam Harrell was great in relief. I am very proud of the girls in every way."
Summer Darnell pitched well earning her first career victory for GWU, allowing just six hits in six innings of work, while striking out two. Lexi Betancourt tossed a complete game and struck out 10 for Charlotte in the losing effort.
The game remained scoreless, until the bottom of the second inning when Hayley Lewis hit an RBI single to give the 49ers a 1-0 lead.
Charlotte would plate a run in the fifth and six innings, and would hold a 3-0 lead entering the top of the seventh inning.
Sam Harrell struck out to start the top of the seventh, but Jill Blank reached first base on an error by the 49ers shortstop. Blank advanced to second, as Taylar Pridgen grounded out to third base.
Kellie Beres advanced Blank to third on a single, and Megan Gibbons drew a walk following the Beres single, to load the bases.
Harris came to bat with the bases loaded and two outs, and launched a grand-slam home run over the left field fence to give GWU a 4-3 lead.
Sam Harrell replaced Darnell on the mound and shut down the 49ers in the bottom of the seventh, to earn her first save of the season and send Gardner-Webb to the 4-3 victory.
Game 2- GWU 2, Charlotte 10
Mackenzie Hauser picked up the win for Charlotte in game two of the double-header, allowing six hits in six innings of work.
Chelsea Lisikatos plated three RBI to lead the 49ers, while Megan Champion and Amanda Gomes, each had an RBI for the Runnin' Bulldogs.
Gardner-Webb kept the momentum for game one, and carried it into game two, jumping out to a quick 2-0 lead in the top of the 4th, as Champion and Gomes each had RBI singles.
Charlotte would take the lead right back in the bottom of the fourth, scoring nine runs in the inning, highlighted by a three-run home run to center field by Lisikatos.
The 49ers would add their final run in the bottom of the sixth, and would salvage the double-header with a 10-2 victory.
Gardner-Webb returns to action on Tuesday for its home opener, when it hosts East Tennessee State for a double-header at Crest High School. First pitch is scheduled for 1:00 p.m.
