Highlanders Struggle to Find Runs in Conference Opener

CARTERSVILLE, GA –  The Highlanders won in nearly every head to head statitical category on Friday night, but came up short in the most important one -- the one on the scoreboard.   

Game 1:  GHC 1 GSC 0

Game one of GCAA play was definitely a pitcher's duel between Shay Sullins of Georgia Highlands and Maddie Green of Gordon State.  GSC tallied 8 hits, but Sullins and the Charger's defense proved to be solid by getting stops when needed and shutting out the Highlanders.  Addy Allegretti and Hannah Rae Griffin tallied multiple hits in the game.  Green suffered the loss, allowing just 5 hits and striking out 1.

Game 2:  GHC 4 GSC 2

The Highlanders were able to find their bats once again in game two, but fell behind early and couldn't bounce back in a 4-2 loss in the nightcap.  The Chargers jumped out to an early 4-0 lead through 3 innings before the Highlanders were able to make their first move on Hannah Rae Griffin's double to left center field to lead off the top of the 4th.  Griffin advanced to third on a single to centerfield by Hunter Lee and later scored on a Savannah Chalfant sacrifice fly to deep right-center field.  Montana Schug then drove in Lee on her double to centerfield, but the Highlanders rally for a big inning would stop there.  Maddie Greene took the loss for the Highlanders, allowing 8 hits and 3 earned runs in 2.1 innings of work.  Freshman Natalie Hardy had a relief appearance, allowing just two hits and striking out two in her 3.2 innings of work. 

Gordon State falls to 6-11 on the young season and 0-2 in the GCAA.  Next up for the Highlanders will be the West Georgia Tech Knights on Wednesday in Carrollton, GA.  The Knight's home field is located at Central High School, 113 Central High Rd, Carrollton.