McKenzi Ferguson tossed a three-hit, complete-game shutout and Dariean Ward‘s sacrifice fly in the fourth inning provided the game’s only run as the Lander softball team defeated Augusta 1-0 in the first game and earned a split in the Peach Belt Conference doubleheader at Jaguar Field. The Jaguars won the first game, 3-2.
Lander moves to 19-29 overall and 7-15 in the PBC, while Augusta is 9-39, (4-16).
Ferguson (12-12) earned the win after striking out seven, walking three and allowing just three hits in seven innings.
Augusta’s Morgan Hunter (4-16) suffered the loss after striking out one, walking four and allowing one earned run on four hits in seven innings.
In the fourth inning, Brianna Surrento and Chandler Carey laced back-to-back one-out singles. Surrento was replaced on the bases by Emily Marousek and Lander loaded the bases when Kelli McCormack drew a walk. Ward then flew out to centerfield, bring Marousek home and providing the lone run of the game.
Carey batted 2-for-3 to lead the Bearcats at the plate.
In the second game, Kristen Mills (3-18) earned the win for the Jaguars after striking out three, walking three and allowing two earned runs on six hits in seven innings.
Surrento (4-13) took the loss for Lander, walking one and allowing three runs on six hits in six innings.
The Bearcats took a 2-0 lead in the third inning on RBI singles from Surrento and Carey, but Augusta trimmed the deficit to one in the fourth on Carolyn Edwards’ RBI groundout.
Edwards tied the game in the bottom of the sixth with an RBI single and a double from Erin Rozier provided the go-ahead run for Augusta.
Good job, lady Bearcats!