Blue Devils Edge UNC-Greensboro, 4-1

Sunday, October 17

Durham, N.C.

1 P.M.

Duke University

UNC Greensboro

Photo by: Duke Athletics

Blue Devils Edge UNC-Greensboro, 4-1

10/17/2021 6:16:00 PM | Softball

DURHAM – The Duke softball team used back-to-back solo home runs in the sixth inning to pull away from UNC-Greensboro, winning 4-1 on Sunday afternoon at Duke Softball Stadium.

The meeting was the first between the two North Carolina-based programs since the 2021 NCAA Regional, when the Blue Devils recorded its first NCAA tournament win in program history in a 2-0 decision. With the win, the Blue Devils have improved to 5-0 in fall ball and have now outscored their opponents 47-3.

Three Blue Devils recorded multi-hit games, as senior outfielders Kyla Morris and Caroline Jacobsen each recorded an RBI. Sophomore Kelly Torres and junior Kamryn Jackson recorded back-to-back solo home runs to help secure the victory.

Senior Shelby Walters started in the circle, allowing one run over three innings, while striking out three. Graduate student Peyton St. George followed her with three hitless innings and tallied five swinging strikeouts.

Walters got off to a quick start with two strikeouts in the first inning, but the Spartans were the first on the board in the second inning. After back-to-back hits, the Spartans drove in a run on an RBI groundout. Walters would get a strikeout to end the inning and limit further damage, but her offense picked her up immediately.

Freshman Ana Gold started her multi-hit day with a single and was able to advance into scoring position off a Spartans throwing error. Jacobsen was able to tie the game at 1-1, when she drove in Gold from second on an RBI single.

The Blue Devils were able to shut down the Spartans offense when St. George came in the game. The Mechanicsville, Va., native has recorded 11 strikeouts in her last five innings pitched, all of which ended in a swinging strike. St. George held the Spartans hitless over three innings, while the offense added run support.

In the bottom of the fifth inning, Jacobsen began the frame with a single, and moved to second on a fly out. Morris was able to drive her home on an infield single and give the Blue Devils its first lead of the game at 2-1.

Needing some extra runs, the Blue Devils got it in the form of two home runs. Torres was the first, as she sent a blast into left center field to make it 3-1. Jackson was next up and nearly put her home run in the same spot, sending an opposite field blast over the fence for a 4-1 edge.

Sophomore Jala Wright locked down the game in the seventh inning, getting ground ball outs and securing a hitless seventh inning.

The Blue Devils are back at home for another fall ball game on Friday, Oct. 22, hosting Campbell at 6 p.m.

To stay up to date with Blue Devils softball, follow the team on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook by searching "DukeSOFTBALL".

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