Box Score (PDF)
ATLANTA, Ga. – The Kennesaw State softball team's (3-6) rally came up short in a hard-fought 5-3 loss to the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets (5-5) Tuesday night.
Senior
Brinaya Bailey shined at the plate, going 2-for-2 including a two-run homer – her first of the 2023 season.
Defensively, freshman
Kenley Hilleary came through in relief for KSU with 2.0 innings pitched allowing only one hit against the stellar GT offense.
With two outs in the first inning, Georgia Tech walked
Taylor Cates on four pitches. With the KSU third baseman on first, Bailey stepped up and delivered a two-run shot to left to give the Owls a 2-0 lead.
The Yellow Jackets responded in the bottom of the frame with three runs and then two more in the fourth to take a 5-2 lead.
KSU gained momentum with Hilleary in the circle, starting with a spectacular infield sliding catch by Cates.
Faith Alexander led off the sixth with an infield single, followed by her fourth stolen base of 2023. Another drawn walk by Cates combined with Bailey's own infield single loaded the bases for the Owls.
A wild pitch with freshman
Stacey Deputy at the plate scored Alexander and cut the deficit to 5-3. KSU was unable to close the gap further as the Yellow Jackets took the victory.
Starter
Lindsey Kyte (1-3) pitched 4.0 innings with three strikeouts and was credited with the loss.
GAME NOTES
>> The KSU defense caught two Georgia Tech runners stealing Tuesday.
>> Bailey and Cates have reached base in each of the last three games.
>> Cates has now played in 146 consecutive games and made 145 consecutive starts.
>> Kennesaw State extended its ASUN-leading scoring streak to 37 games.
ON DECK
Kennesaw State heads to Tuscaloosa, Ala. for the Easton Bama Bash Feb. 24-26 for five games against Indiana State, Southeastern Louisiana and No. 6/7 Alabama.
To keep up with the latest Kennesaw State softball news follow the team on Twitter @KSUOwlNation and @KSUOwlsSB or by liking Kennesaw State University on Facebook.
