The #25 Georgia Bulldogs softball team tied a program record for runs scored in Thursday’s 23-2 season-opening win over San Diego State.
The Bulldogs belted seven extra-base hits, including four home runs in the contest. All nine starters in the lineup recorded at least one hit. Kendall Burton was a perfect 4-for-4. Alyssa DiCarlo and Alysen Febrey went 3-for-4, each with four RBI. Cortni Emanuel, Kaylie Harding, and Jessica Morgan all drove in a trio of runs.
Brittany Gray was the starter in the circle for Georgia, pitching two scoreless, hitless innings. Freshman Lauren Mathis entered, pitching another two scoreless, hitless innings. Mathis (1-0) earned the win in relief in her first career outing while striking out two Aztec hitters.
Alex Formby (0-1) suffered the loss, allowing 11 runs in two-thirds innings in her start for SDSU.
Georgia wasted no time getting the ball rolling as the Bulldogs put 12 runs up in the first inning, sending 15 batters to the plate. The scoring began with a three-run home run by DiCarlo in the third at-bat of the game. Other highlights from the inning included a two-RBI single off the bat of Justice Milz, a three-run triple by Febrey, and another home run, this time by Mahlena O’Neal.
Emanuel added to the run production in the second inning with a three-run blast to left center, the first of the senior’s career.
An eight spot in the third rang the score up to 23-0. Kaylie Harding broke it open with a two-run single into right. A wild pitch scored Jordan Doggett and DiCarlo drove in another on a fielder’s choice to third. Febrey’s fourth RBI came on a ground-rule double to center. Morgan, a freshman, stepped in and knocked a three-run home run to left in her first career at bat, tying the program record for runs in a game.
The Aztecs not only broke up the shutout, but also Georgia’s combined no-hitter with two runs on two hits in the top of the fifth inning.
On the base paths, Ciara Bryan, Emanuel, and Burton all recorded a stolen base. As a team, the Bulldogs drew seven walks, striking out only once.
Georgia is back in action this evening against #3 Oregon at Farrington Stadium in Tempe. First pitch is set for 7 p.m., ET, on the Pac-12 Networks.