University of North Carolina Athletics
North Carolina
Georgia Tech
Tar Heels' Huge Eight-Run Inning Leads To 15-6 Victory
April 13, 2014 | Softball
ATLANTA -- The Tar Heels exploded with a huge eight-run seventh inning, including a grand slam from Amber Parrish, as UNC defeated Georgia Tech 15-6 on Sunday.
Aquilla Mateen had a big day at the plate for Carolina (22-20, 13-9 ACC), going five for five with two RBIs, while Jordan Scarboro and Erin Satterfield each added two more RBIs to help UNC avoid a sweep by the Yellow Jackets.
After two quiet innings, Carolina got things started in the third with four runs. Mateen and Amy Nece each singled and then advanced a base as Kristen Brown grounded out. Mateen came home as Jenna Kelly reached base on an error, and Nece scored on Parrish's single up the middle. After Stephanie Krider came in to run for Parrish, Krider and Nece each stole a base and then both scored on Satterfield's single to left to make it 4-0, UNC.
Georgia Tech posted a run in the bottom of the third, as Ashley Thomas singled, stole second and then scored on a single up the middle by Haley Downs. The Jackets then added two more scores in the fourth as Pierannunzi drew a walk and Courtney Thomas singled before Lionberger hit a two-RBI double to knock them in.
In the fifth, Lauren Walker singled up the middle and was replaced by Elly Wagner to run. Satterfield reached base on an error, and then Kati Causey drew a walk to load the bases. Scarboro grounded out, but Wagner scored on the play. Elena Covert entered to run for Causey and scored on Mateen's RBI bunt single, which made it 7-3.
Cabrales and Pierannunzi singled in the fifth, and then both advanced on an illegal pitch before Fullem hit an RBI single to knock in Cabrales.
The Jackets cut UNC's lead to just one run after they posted another two scores in the sixth. Lionberger led off with a walk before Ashley Thomas and Downs each singled to load the bases for GT. Runik hit an RBI single through the left side to score Lionberger before Pierannunzi's infield single knocked in Thomas.
Leading by just one run entering the seventh, the Tar Heels added eight runs to the board to deflate any hope the Jackets had of a series sweep. Walker was hit by a pitch to lead off the inning, and Satterfield singled before each advanced a base on a passed ball. Covert drew a walk, loading the bases for Scarboro, who hit an RBI single up the middle for the first run. With bases still loaded, Mateen hit another RBI single to knock in Satterfield before Nece drew a walk to force Covert across the plate. Brown then reached on a fielder's choice as Scarboro scored on the play. Kelly drew a walk, loading the bases once again for Carolina as Parrish launched the ball out center field, clearing the bases with four final runs as the Tar Heels wrapped up the 15-6 victory.
Lori Spingola (16-11) earned the win for the Tar Heels, pitching 4.2 innings with three strikeouts while giving up just one run.
Up Next: UNC continues road play at James Madison (RV) this Wednesday. The Tar Heels and Dukes will play a doubleheader at 3 and 5 p.m.
