VALDOSTA, Ga. - The Valdosta State softball team kept fans on the edge of their seat all evening long, but the wait was well worth it, as the Blazers delivered two walkoff winners in as many games to take down Georgia Southwestern 4-3 and 6-5 during Tuesday's home opener doubleheader at Steel's Diamond at Blazer Park.
Taylor Hartenbach, a fourth year Blazer who entered the day with five career homers, left the yard three times over the course of the two games and accounted for all four of VSU's runs in game one. With the Blazers trailing by three in the sixth, the senior connected for a three-run shot to the opposite field before blasting the her second of the day in the bottom of the eighth, a walkoff moonshot over the right field wall.
"Before the game, I was feeling very anxious," said Hartenbach about how she felt prior to her incredible performance on Tuesday. "My thing when I feel that way is to take some time to myself and go up to the cage and hit off the tee. After I did that, I felt a little better."
The routine paid off in spades for the lefty, as did some adjustments after a slow start in game one.
"My first two at bats weren't great today, and she was working me outside, which is an area where I've struggled in the past," added Hartenbach. "I reminded myself to get through the ball, which led to the first home run, and I was much more comfortable after that."
In game two, Hartenbach's big swing came in the third after Logan Hill, who led off the inning with one of three hits in the second game, reached in front of Jessica Mohl, who was hit by a pitch. With the Blazers trailing 2-1 at the time, Hartenbach unloaded again to put the lead back in VSU's favor at 4-2. The RBI's marked three of seven for Hartenbach on the day.
Georgia Southwestern reclaimed the lead on a Hayley Tierce three-run homer in the fourth, before Hill scored one inning later to tie the game after Heather Robinson drew a bases loaded walk.
In response to Ashtin Strickland, who came on in relief midway through the contest and recorded six strikeouts in 3.1 innings, VSU's bats came through again in the bottom of the seventh. Representing the game-winning run, Hartenbach was issued a rare leadoff intentional walk by the Hurricanes to start the bottom of the seventh inning. She advanced on a passed ball, moved up to third on a Brandy Morgan sacrifice bunt, and crossed for the winning run thanks to a clutch single to left by Danielle Patterson.
With the win, VSU improved to 5-1 overall. The Hurricanes fell to 0-4 with the loss. Avery Lamb and Strickland were credited with the wins, respectively.
Valdosta State now turns their attention to St. Petersburg, Fla., where the Blazers will take on both Tampa and Eckerd at a tournament set to take place on February 10th and 11th. First pitch on Saturday is slated for 1:00 p.m.
