KINGS MOUNTAIN, N.C. – Senior catcher
Emerie Germ had three hits including her third home run of the season for North Carolina Central University but host Gardner-Webb University was able to rally and win both games of Wednesday's softball doubleheader at Kings Mountain High School.
The Runnin' Bulldogs offense cranked out 24 totals hits in the 8-2 and 6-2 sweep while their pitching staff scattered just 10 hits over 14 combined innings to the Lady Eagles to improve to 4-8 overall.
NCCU (2-4) was taking the diamond for game action for the first time in 18 days after inclement weather had postponed or canceled numerous games over the past two weeks.
Junior leadoff hitter
Casey Hargett scored both of the Lady Eagles runs in the first game to give NCCU an early 2-0 lead before the Runnin' Bulldogs rallied with eight unanswered runs.
Hargett led off the afternoon with a double down the left field line and eventually scored the first run on a throwing error after Germ flew out to right field. The centerfielder from Greenville, N.C., then doubled up the visitor's advantage in the top of the third. Hargett drew a one-out walk, advanced to third on a single off the bat of sophomore
Jenny Tracy before touching home plate again on an RBI fielder's choice by sophomore
Dominique Wilson.
Germ tallying the Eagles third and final hit with a single to left in the fifth.
After being held scoreless for the first two innings, GWU rallied ahead with four runs – two earned – in the bottom of the third. Wilson (1-2) took the loss tossing the first three innings for the Lady Eagles despite only allowing two earned runs.
NCCU committed four errors that led to five total unearned runs for the Runnin' Bulldogs.
Gardner-Webb notched 12 total hits in the first game including three by senior Taylar Pridgen. Freshman Rachel Cumiskey added two hits, two RBI and three runs. Freshman Ashley Wark earned her first collegiate save with three innings of shutout relief of starter Summer Darnell (2-3).
In the nightcap, NCCU once again took the initial 1-nil lead with a run in the top of the first. Tracy belted a one-out double to left field, advanced to third on a single by Germ and scored on a double steal play.
The Runnin' Rebels scored in each of the first four innings and registered a dozen more hits to pull ahead by four at 6-2. Gardner-Webb had a pair of two-RBI performances by senior Savannah Burns and junior Scarlett Harris.
Germ launched a solo home run over the left field fence to conclude NCCU's scoring in the top of the fourth. The Preseason All-MEAC selection has started off her senior season with a bang with three home runs while riding a current six-game hit streak.
Junior
London Booker went the distance for the Lady Eagles even after hurling three innings in the first game. Booker (1-2) took the loss but had five strikeouts over her nine total innings of work from the pitcher's circle.
Up next, NCCU is slated to play four neutral site games in the Tiny Lassiter HBCU Classic at the Shea Brothers Softball Complex in Irondale, Ala. The Lady Eagles will play Alabama A&M and Jackson State on Saturday, March 7 before battling Grambling State and Mississippi Valley State on Sunday, March 8.
