JACKSON, Tenn. - Despite taking two out of three games in the weekend Gulf South Conference series, the Valdosta State softball team saw their weekend conclude on a sour note after a 10-1 loss to Union on Sunday afternoon in Jackson, Tenn.
Union opened up the game with a two-run homer off the bat of Kristen Pickens in the opening frame, and Samantha McDaniel followed suit in the second with a two-run shot of her own. Both long balls marked the first of the season for pair of Bulldogs and helped push Union out in front 4-0 after the first two innings.
The Blazers were poised to return fire in the top of the third inning, after back-to-back singles by Lacey Crandall and Haley Garrett. With one out, the pair moved into scoring position on a wild pitch, but Union starter Taylor Griffith escaped the jam by inducing an infield pop-up and a line drive to short for the final two outs of the half inning.
In the bottom of the third, the Bulldogs extended their lead to 5-0 with a leadoff solo shot off the bat of Haley Barnette. Peyton Mathis followed with a single to left, and Emily Bennett continued with a sacrifice bunt. Crandall's throwing attempt to retire Bennett at first base hit the Union center fielder in the back, and she was ruled safe on the play, despite replay evidence that showed Bennett inside the first base line. Union capitalized on the favorable call to spark a rally that led to three more runs in the half inning, which opened up an 8-0 lead for the Bulldogs.
In the fourth, the Bulldogs received another round of good fortune when the home plate umpire lost track of the count and afforded Bennett a walk with the count at 3-2. The mistake helped facilitate a two-run fourth, which was more than enough for the Bulldogs to negate Valdosta State's one run in the top half of the same inning.
Blazer starter Kasie Johnson suffered the loss to fall to 8-3 on the year, while Griffith moved to 3-2 after notching the win.
The loss dropped the Blazers to 26-8 on the season, while the Bulldogs lifted their record to 10-17. Valdosta State is now 12-6 against league opponents, while Union improved to 5-12.
The Blazers are set to return to action at home next weekend, starting with a Friday doubleheader against the Lee Flames. First pitch is slated for 4:00 p.m. at Steel's Diamond at Blazer Park.
