By: by Scott Lipsky
Box Score
ATLANTA - Jessica Cross was stellar in the pitcher's circle once again, and she also helped her own cause at the plate with a two-run go-ahead home run as Kennesaw State's offense took over in the late innings as the Owls completed their season sweep of Georgia State with a, 6-1, victory at Bob Heck Field in Panthersville.
Cross, a redshirt sophomore, tossed her seventh complete game of the season and third in four starts as she allowed just one run on three hits in her seven innings of work. She was also a solid contributor at the plate on Wednesday afternoon, going 2-for-4 and hitting her team-leading seventh home run of the season in the fourth inning to put the Owls ahead 2-1 while igniting the offensive onslaught.
The game appeared to be a pitcher's duel in the early going, as Cross and Georgia State starter Heather Lowry combined to give up just one run over the first three innings. The Panthers (16-9) took the early lead scoring on back-to-back doubles in the bottom of the second inning.
Kennesaw State (14-11) broke the game open in the top of the sixth inning after Cross led things off with an infield single to third base off Panthers reliever McCall Langford. Sharon Swanson was hit by a pitch and Jenna Closner followed with a single, loading the bases. Karlie Gillam capitalized with a bases-clearing double to make the score 5-1 and put the Owls in control. Gillam would score three batters later when Lyndsay McCurry singled to left field for the final run of the game.
The win is the third straight for the Black and Gold over Georgia State dating back to last season. The Owls beat the Panthers, 2-0, on Feb. 27 at Bailey Park and split the season series last year.
Cross was one of three players to have multiple hits for the Owls. Gillam went 2-for-3 as did fellow freshman Hannah Graham, who also played well at second base, making a pair of splendid plays in the field.
The Owls return home on Friday afternoon when they host Campbell in an Atlantic Sun Conference doubleheader. The conference home opener is scheduled for 4:00 p.m.
