Sept. 27, 2009

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – The Charlotte 49ers softball team won a pair of exhibition games over the visiting Bulldogs of Wingate University on Sunday after the games were rescheduled from a rain-soaked Saturday. The 49ers won 1-0 in the first game and 8-2 in the second.

In the opening game, senior pitcher Emily Jeffery struck out nine batters in only four innings pitched. Jeffery only allowed one runner to reach base, which came off an error.

The game was scoreless until the bottom of the seventh inning, when Charlotte loaded the bases from two fielder’s choices and a catcher obstruction. Freshman Brittney Brinkley came up with a big hit with the bases juiced as she knocked a single up the middle to drive in the game’s only run and give the Niners a walk-off victory.

Serena Smith and Tenaya Tucker also had hits for the 49ers as Smith notched a single and Tucker added a double in the fourth inning.

Gina Allen picked up the victory in relief as she pitched three scoreless innings, while only allowing one hit and striking out three batters.

In the day’s final game, the 49ers picked up an 8-2 victory as Charlotte had 12 hits from eight different batters. Smith and freshman Nikki Gayle both had two RBIS in the game with Smith going 2-for-4 and Gayle adding a 2-for-2 performance.

Also adding RBIs in the game were Briana Gwaltney and Brittney Brinkley.

Katy Hackett pitched four innings in the game by striking out five batters, while only allowing one run on five hits. She was relieved by Lindsey Holloman, who struck out two batters in three innings and allowed one run on three hits.

Next weekend the 49ers face off with four games at home to wrap up their fall exhibition schedule. So far the Niners are 2-2 this fall season.