JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The Dolphins (14-23) finalized a sweep of Stetson (19-25) today with two wins, giving head coach Erica Ayers her one hundredth win of her career.
Both games were extremely tight until the end, with game two pushing to nine innings. In game one of the doubleheader, the Dolphins jumped out to an early 3-0 lead off the bats of Allison Bratek and Logan Keith. Ashlee Harwood began the game and pitched four scoreless innings before giving up a three-run game-tying home run in the top of the fifth to make things interesting.
The tie would not last long, however, as Victoria Rodebaugh drove in what would be the game-winning run with a single in the bottom of the sixth. By then, Skylar Whitty had relieved Harwood of her duties and lined herself up for her second win of the weekend after pitching two scoreless innings to finish the game and give the Dolphins a 4-3 win.
Game two required extra work for both teams as it played out like a baseball game in nine innings. This time, the tables were turned as the Hatters got out to an early 2-0 lead after the first three innings. Whitty would find herself back on the mound, pitching a fantastic game. She would get stronger as the game went on and her teammates backed her up. Joely Leguizamon tied the game in the third with a two-run homer before having to leave the game due to injury.
The Dolphins rallied around a tough Leguizamon and a lights-out Skylar Whitty as they pushed on to the ninth inning. Ashley Darakjian doubled to deep center field to give JU a runner in scoring position in the bottom of the ninth. Logan Keith moved her over with a flyout and approaching the plate was Madison Bratek, who was in the middle of a great weekend offensively and defensively.
Bratek would waste no time as she singled to right to bring home Darakjian in walk-off fashion, 3-2. This would give Skylar Whitty her third win of the weekend and Erica Ayers her one hundredth win as JU head coach.
Quotable
Head Coach Erica Ayers
On the win
"This was the most complete weekend we've had all year, played well in all three phases of the game. Really happy for the kids, they've kept working and stayed positive through the ups and downs. It feels like we are hitting our stride at the right time."
On her 100th win
"The 100 wins belong to every kid that's ever played for me and every assistant coach and support staff that has been involved in the last five years."
They can take some rest after their busy five-game week and look ahead to next weekend as they travel to Lynchburg, Virginia to take on the Liberty Flames (31-13) in a three-game series.
Be sure to follow along via Twitter (@jax_softball) and behind the scenes on Instagram (@jax_sftbl) to stay up to date and view exciting content of the softball team all season long.
