Softball Wins Georgia State First Pitch Classic
February 13, 2005 | Softball
Jessica Gowin put State ahead in the first inning of the opening game of the day against ECU. With runners at first and second, the freshman ripped a two-out single to right center, bringing in the first run of the game and putting State up 1-0.
ECU (6-0) went on top in the bottom of the frame with some two-out magic of its own. With runners on second and third, junior Krista Jessup doubled to right center, putting ECU up 2-1.
State responded the next inning, tying the score at 2-2. With the bases loaded, sophomore Pamela O'Neal grounded out to second, to score the tying-run.
The score would stay the same until the sixth inning, with ECU putting three on the board to take the game. Senior Mandi Nichols homered over the foul pole in left to put ECU ahead, with the Pirates plating two more on a Beth Nolan double down the line in left.
McCoy (1-1) took the loss for State, while Kelli Harrell (3-0) worked 2.1 innings of scoreless relief for ECU to earn the win.
The two teams met again in the championship game, with all of the drama coming in the first inning. After a fielding error gave ECU hope in the first inning, After the error, GSU pitcher Elizabeth Hyman walked two more batters. Then with two outs and the count full, Erin St. Ledger drew a walk, bringing home the only run of the game for either side.
Hyman went the distance for State in the loss, giving up only two hits and the one unearned run while fanning eight. Stephanie Hayes (1-0) earned the win for ECU, facing one over the minimum while giving up two hits and striking out five.
