Blue Devils Top Eagles 8-3

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Thursday, October 17

Durham, N.C.

6:30PM

Duke University

North Carolina Central

10/17/2019 10:10:00 PM | Softball

DURHAM, N.C. – A stellar relief outing in the circle from Peyton St. George and a three-run blast from Jameson Kavel in the sixth powered the Blue Devils to a come-from-behind 8-3 win over Durham rival North Carolina Central in a fall exhibition game Thursday night at the Duke Softball Stadium.

"We started out a little slow and didn't make adjustments offensively in the first few innings, but it was good to see us come back and have to fight from behind," said Duke head coach Marissa Young. "To be able to pull it out and continue tacking on runs towards the end of the game, that is what we want to see."

After scoring first in the third inning to take 1-0 lead, Duke found itself down as the Eagles grabbed a 3-1 lead in the top of the fifth. Duke restored order in the bottom of the sixth, scoring four – highlighted by a three-run blast over the scoreboard in left field by Kavel. She was perfect at the plate on the night, going 2-for-2 with a homer, single and four RBI.

Duke sealed the victory by tacking on three more in the bottom of the eighth. Kavel's single scored one before Caroline Jacobsen drove in another by ripping a single off the top of the wall in center in the next at bat. She finished the day with two hits and a RBI.

"Jameson has been working really hard," said Young. "She's been working really hard with coach Josh Bloomer so to see that pay off for her tonight was great. She had a great week of practice so we are glad to see that happen."

St. George pitched three and a third for Duke, entering to halt Central's momentum in the fifth. She struck out seven of the 11 batters she faced. The junior from Mechanicsville, Va., allowed just one hit and secured the win for the Blue Devils in the circle.

"She's been our go-to," said Young. "Usually a starter and now coming in as a closer and getting it done. It is really good to see her ride both of those roles."

Duke continues its fall exhibition season at home on Saturday against Charlotte. The game will begin at 1 p.m. at the Duke Softball Stadium. Admission is free.

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