ATHENS, Ga. - Opening the new week with a four-game slate, USC Upstate Softball traveled to the Peach State for a non-conference game against No. 18, University of Georgia. The matchup between the Spartans and Bulldogs proved to be an instant classic under the lights at the Turner Softball Stadium with Georgia walking it off in the bottom of the ninth.
Taliyah Thomas led-off with an infield single for Upstate's first hit. Carson Shaw followed with a fielder's choice with Shaw and Thomas both beating the throws to first and second to have two runners on. Georgia was able to escape the top of the inning without allowing a run. In the bottom of the inning, Upstate's discipline on the defensive end displayed with a quick three-out inning not allowing a hit from the Bulldogs. As the game adjusted, Georgia came into the bottom of the second inning with getting two runners on with two consecutive base hits with a runner in scoring position. The Spartans followed with Amie Johnson catching the fly ball in her territory keeping Georgia scoreless through two innings. The Bulldogs were able to cool off the bats from Upstate not allowing a hit in the following two innings with hopes of now opening the scoring column. The Bulldogs were able to get a runner on base with a walk which was enough to follow for a two-run homer to left field taking the lead 2-0. The action picked up for the Spartans in the top of the sixth with Taliyah Thomas adding her second hit of the day with perfect placement for the third baseman to not have a chance to throw her out. A fielding error from Georgia helped Sophia Kardatzke make her way to first where she then followed with a stolen base to have two runners in scoring position. Carson Shaw followed with a single up the middle sending Kardatzke and Thomas home flipping the momentum to Upstate's side, tying the game at two. With one out in the bottom of the inning, the Bulldogs looked to respond with a base hit but a double play from Abby Polk to Carson Shaw ended the inning going into the seventh. Georgia did not allow a hit in the top of the inning giving them one last chance to flip the momentum and put the game in their hands. The discipline from Upstate's defense continued to display not allowing a hit and forcing the game to go into extra innings. In the top of eighth, Georgia Preddy made her way to first base from a four pitch walk followed by a sacrifice bunt from Taliyah Thomas moving Preddy to second. Sophia Kardatzke looked to put the Spartans ahead with a single through the left side, but a throw from left field to home plate tagged Georgia Preddy out moving the game to bottom of the eighth. Georgia singled through the left side looking to get their rally going but the following batter hit into a double play with the infield connection of Alanna Deal to Georgia Preddy and Carson Shaw. With the game now in the ninth inning, Abigail Pippen made her way to first from a four pitch walk. Abby Polk looked to put the Bulldogs in a bind but the throw to second recorded the final out to go into the bottom of the ninth. Georgia opened the top of the inning with an infield single and followed with a sacrifice bunt advancing a runner in scoring position. The Bulldogs walked it off with double down the right field line advancing a runner home to win in nine innings.
Notable
Up Next for the Spartans
Following a matchup in Athens, Upstate Softball returns to the Hawkins Field at Cyrill Stadium to host Charleston Southern for a conference weekend series with game one beginning Friday, April 11th at 5:00 P.M. and a doubleheader to follow on Saturday, April 12th at 1:00 & 3:00 P.M.
SAVE THE DATE FOR SPARTY'S BALL – MAY 17th – Support USC Upstate Athletics at Sparty's Ball, the largest fundraising event of the year for the Upstate Athletic Fund (UAF), to be held Saturday, May 17, 2025 at the Milliken Club at Fifth Third Park. For tickets, sponsorship and auction information, click here!
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