Huntingdon sweeps Salem in GSAC doubleheader

MONTGOMERY, Ala. – Brittany Richardson closed Game 1 with a three-run home run and a Bree Giordana sacrifice fly ended Game 2 as the Huntingdon softball team picked up a pair of 9-1 wins over Salem College on Saturday.

Both games were shortened to five innings due to the eight-run mercy rule.

Huntingdon (10-7) improved to 3-0 in the Great South Athletic Conference. Salem (4-12) dropped to 0-2 in the GSAC.

Richardson finished the day 4-for-5 with four RBIs, three runs and five stolen bases. Giordana (6-4) picked up the win in Game 2, striking out eight, walking one and allowing three hits and one run. Melissa McClure (3-3) got the win in Game 1, striking out four, walking one and allowing four hits and one run.

Behind Richardson's three hits and four RBIs in the first game, Aleah Payne was 2-for-2 with two RBIs, two runs and two stolen bases.

A Payne triple brought in Huntingdon's first two runs in the first inning of Game 1. Payne scored the third run on a Holly Ostrander sacrifice bunt. Payne made it 4-0 in the third inning when she scored on a Salem error.

A Richardson single scored Morgan Goshorn in the fourth inning before the Lady Hawks ended the game in the fifth. Angela Barkman scored on an error and Richardson's homer ended the scoring.

In Game 2, Richardson scored on a passed ball in the first inning. Chasity Ward singled in Goshorn in the second and then scored on a wild pitch to make it 3-1. Kari Ranczka scored on a balk in the fourth inning and Huntingdon scored five runs in the fifth to finish the sweep. Haley Praytor drove in two runs, Anna Stephens drew a walk with the bases loaded and Goshorn scored on a passed ball before Kristi Taylor scored the final run on Giordana's sac fly.

Huntingdon travels to Millsaps on Sunday for a doubleheader. Game 1 is set for 3 p.m.