AIKEN, SOUTH CAROLINA – The University of South Carolina Beaufort faced the University of South Carolina Aiken to open a three-game series to close out the regular season against the Pacers. In the opening game, the Sand Sharks used a 10-run third inning to propel a 10-0 win.
The Sand Shark offense was led by Saria Simmons, who recorded a game-high three RBIs in the win. Catharine Conway added two hits, two runs, and two RBIs, along with two walks to reach base four times. Emma Brinkman scored two runs and added two RBIs in the victory.
Madison Murphy pitched her 21st complete game and eighth shutout of the season in the win over Aiken. She carried a no-hitter through 4 2/3 innings.
Conway reached base to start the game, but USCA was able to get out of the inning. Murphy started strong for the Sand Sharks, striking out the side to open the game.
The second inning followed a similar pattern, as Murphy delivered another 1-2-3 inning with two more strikeouts, keeping the game scoreless through two innings.
USC Beaufort broke the game open in the third inning. After the first two runners reached base, an RBI single through the left side scored Brinkman to give the Sand Sharks a 1-0 lead. Later in the inning, Simmons extended the lead to 3-0 as Conway and Alyssa Rose scored.
Katelyn Boyette pushed across the fourth run as Simmons scored on a Pacers error, making it 4-0. Brinkman continued the rally with a two-RBI single to center field, scoring Boyette and Caleigh Eubanks. Conway then drew a bases-loaded walk to extend the lead to 7-0.
Runs eight, nine, and ten all scored on walks, as Tamiyah Whitlock, Simmons, and Taelor Chang each recorded RBIs to cap a 10-run third inning and a 10-0 lead.
After the Pacers put the leadoff hitter on base, a line-drive double play helped the Sand Sharks maintain the 10-0 lead.
Murphy went four straight innings without allowing a hit before recording two outs in the fifth. After issuing a couple of walks, a two-out single broke up the no-hit bid. Murphy retired the next batter on a flyout to seal the victory and secure the complete-game shutout, her 18th win of the season.
The Sand Sharks won the opening game of the series in run-rule fashion.
The series will continue Sunday with a doubleheader between the two teams starting at noon in Aiken, South Carolina, marking the final two regular-season games before the Peach Belt Conference playoffs.
