60.9 F
Clarksville
Thursday, March 28, 2024
HomeSportsAPSU Softball falls to James Madison, defeats Central Michigan at Georgia Classic

APSU Softball falls to James Madison, defeats Central Michigan at Georgia Classic

APSU SoftballAthens, GA –  Shelby Harpe threw a two-hit complete game and Katelyn Smith hit first collegiate home run to help lead the Austin Peay State University (APSU) softball team past Central Michigan, 3-1, Saturday afternoon at Jack Turner Stadium, in Day 2 of the 17th Annual Georgia Classic, after dropping their morning contest to No. 21 nationally ranked James Madison, 8-0.

Austin Peay State University Softball loses morning game 8-0 to #21 James Madison but later defeats Central Michigan 3-1 Saturday at Georgia Classic. (Robert Smith, APSU Sports Information)
Austin Peay State University Softball loses morning game 8-0 to #21 James Madison but later defeats Central Michigan 3-1 Saturday at Georgia Classic. (Robert Smith, APSU Sports Information)

#21 James Madison 8, Austin Peay State University 0

Austin Peay State University would have a couple of scoring chances early-on in the contest, putting runners into scoring position in both the first and third innings, but couldn’t punch anything across against the No. 21 nationally ranked James Madison (5-2).

The Dukes on the other hand scored an early first inning run with the APSU Govs then holding them there until the bottom of the fourth inning, when they erupted for four runs on six hits to extend their lead to  5-0.

James Madison would close out the game with three more runs in the fifth for the 8-0 final.

Drew Dudley would have the APSU Govs only hit in the loss, coming on a third-inning single, while Bailey Shorter, Brooke Pfefferle and Harpe all reached on walks to account for all the Govs base runners.

Austin Peay State University 3, Central Michigan 1

After trading zeros for the first two innings, Austin Peay State University would score the game’s first run in the bottom of the third inning, with Emily Moore driving in pinch runner Katie Keen with a sacrifice fly.

The Chippewas would tie the game, 1-1, with their only run of the game in the top of the fifth inning, but the APSU Govs responded with a run of their own in the bottom of the inning to retake the lead, 2-1.

Brett Jackson would open the frame by being hit by a pitch then move into scoring position at second base on a sacrifice bunt by Smith.

After an infield single by Moore moved Jackson to third, she would score on a single off the Central Michigan pitcher’s glove by Dudley.

That would be all the runs that Harpe would need, as she limited Central Michigan to just two hits and three walks in the contest, while striking out four.

APSU would add an insurance run in the bottom of the sixth on Smith’s home run off the scoreboard in left field.

Inside the Boxscore

The two-hitter thrown by Shelby Harpe versus Central Michigan was the first by a Gov pitcher since Morgan Rackel limited Eastern Kentucky to a pair of hits on April 28th, 2019.

Austin Peay State University turned its first double play of the year versus James Madison.

With her walk versus Central Michigan, Bailey Shorter has reached base in all 10 games this season and 13 game in a row dating back to the final three games of the 2019 season.

In scoring a run versus Central Michigan, Katie Keen has scored all three times she has come off the bench as a pinch runner this season.

APSU Coach Kassie Stanfill Statements

On scoring first, last
“We came out and scored first, which is something we always strive for, then late in the game Katlyn Smith hit first career home run that gave up some cushion when we needed it heading into the last inning.”

On Harps effort in the circle
“Shelby definitely owned the circle this afternoon, which is exactly what we’ve been working on. She knew her defense was behind her and felling that she was able to pitch with confidence.”

On their matchup versus #18 Georgia
“We’re excited for Sunday and a big game with Georgia. Our girls will be ready, and they look forward to playing teams the caliber of a Georgia. We just need to come up play our game and hopefully come away with a win.”

 

Next Up For APSU Softball

The Austin Peay State University softball team concludes play at the classic on Sunday when they play tournament host and #18 nationally ranked Georgia Bulldogs.

RELATED ARTICLES

Latest Articles