Box Score 1 |
Box Score 2 Final Box Score: Game 1 / Game 2 VIdeo Interviews & Game-Winning Hit
CARY, N.C. (Thomas Brooks Park) – With a runner at second base, two outs and the score tied, freshman shortstop Regina Diaz whacked a double down the right field line to seize the game-winning run for North Carolina Central University as the Lady Eagles beat South Carolina State University, 7-6, on Saturday, Feb. 26 at Thomas Brooks Park in Cary, N.C.
NCCU later dropped a 3-1 decision to Youngstown State to split the first day of competition during the Lady Eagle Classic.
NCCU struck early in its matchup against South Carolina State, scoring two runs in the bottom of the opening inning. Junior catcher Andrea Searls singled to drive home sophomore center fielder Nadia Jefferies for the first run of the game. Searls later reached home plate on a ground out by Cember Carmichael.
South Carolina State tied with the Lady Eagles with a single run in the second and third inning.
The Lady Eagles regained the lead with a score of 3-2, as sophomore right fielder Mae’Risha Watts scored on a SCSU throwing error.
In the top of the fifth inning, SCSU brought three runners home to take a 5-3 lead. Tonya Giles reached home on a double by Kelsey Grochow. Grochow followed Giles home off a double down the left field line by Sonya Giles. LaTavia Riley also reached home plate from Giles hit to conclude the fifth-inning surge.
NCCU head coach Michael Charlton relieved pitcher Shamika Chavis-Hodge in the top of fifth after the sophomore allowed five runs and four hits, while striking out five of 25 batters. The Lady Eagles attempted to answer back in the bottom of the fifth, but only scored one run.
The South Carolina visitors maintained their lead with a run in the sixth inning.
The mighty maroon refused to put the bats away, tying the contest 6-6 in the bottom of the sixth. The Lady Eagles placed two points on the board on a single by Jefferies.
South Carolina State could not muster a run on the top of the seventh to regain the lead.
Seizing the fourth win of the season, Diaz whacked a ball down the right field line bringing freshman first baseman Amanda Bullock home from second base.
In the second game of the afternoon, NCCU fell 3-1 to Youngstown State.
In seven complete innings of play, Aurora Baker’s solid pitching and the Lady Eagles defense held the Ohio visitors to a single run in the bottom of the second and two runs in the bottom of the fifth.
NCCU is now 4-9 on the season. The Lady Eagles will continue their play on Sunday, Feb. 27 for the second day of the Lady Eagle Classic at Thomas Brooks Park in Cary, N.C.
