CARROLLTON, Ga. – The Jacksonville Dolphins completed the series sweep over West Georgia on Saturday, winning the series finale 7-3.
Jacksonville moved to 18-18 on the year and 5-7 overall in conference play. The sweep was Jacksonville's first of the season and second series victory overall.
The 'Phins scored 20 total combined runs up in Georgia and were active again at the plate Saturday. Tied 0-0 into the fourth, Reese Wells opened the contest with a single to center field that scored a runner. Gabby Baylog then scored a runner on a single to left to put the visiting squad up 2-0.
In the fifth, freshman Kierstan Stevens drew a bases loaded walk to trot a baserunner home. An error in the field later scored Stevens herself.
The duo of Wells and Baylog capped off the inning with an RBI single from Wells and then a 2-RBI triple from Baylog.
UWG answered with a single run in the fifth, and two runs in the bottom of the seventh.
Wells had a banner day on both sides of the ball Saturday, tying the team-lead in hits with a 3-4 showing. Running mate Baylog also went 3-4 with a team-best three RBIs. Wells was second in RBIs with two.
As a team JU put up 13 hits, which is a new season high. In the second game of Friday's doubleheader, Jacksonville put up its previous season-high of 12 hits. In its three games against UWG, JU collected 31 total hits.
The Dolphins were active on the basepath again Saturday, stealing five total bases. Haley Fox swiped two and Madison Bratek, Baylog and Alayna Gaddy each stole one. Five stolen bases represent the third highest total of the season, with the six stolen bases in Friday's opening game representing the team's second highest single game total.
On the mound, Wells (3-3) pitched a team-high 4 2/3 innings while giving up just one run. Jacy Harrelson and Christa Pritchard each pitched an inning and each struck out one.
COACH'S COMMENTS
Head coach Erica Ayers on the series sweep: "We needed (it)," Ayers said. "It puts some space between us and them in the middle of the pack of the division. Our goal is to keep improving so we are playing our best softball come tournament time."
On Wells: "Reese was a great matchup offensively against them, so she got the nod and produced," Ayers said. "She had a great weekend at the plate, and she gave us four-plus shut down innings today. She can affect the game on both sides."
GAME NOTES
- Jacksonville got three-hit games from both Wells and Baylog.
- Jacksonville's highest scoring inning was the fifth, when it pushed five runs across.
- Four Dolphins had multiple hits in the ballgame: Baylog, Wells, Averi Harcus (2-4), Jazz Jones (2-3).
- The Dolphins out-hit the Wolves at a 13-6 clip.
- Jacksonville pitchers faced 32 West Georgia hitters in the game, allowing four ground balls and 13 fly balls while striking out one.
- The Dolphins drew five walks from West Georgia pitching.
NEXT UP
Jacksonville returns home for its next ASUN series, hosting FGCU. The Eagles previously swept the Dolphins in south Florida, with JU looking to repay the favor. Play begins Saturday, April 12 at 2 p.m.
