KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — No. 7 Tennessee softball clinched its fourth straight conference series victory against No. 9 Georgia on Sunday at Sherri Parker Lee Stadium. The Lady Vols secured their 30th win of the season with the 3-1 finish.
The teams were 1-1 walking into this game. The Bulldogs got on the board first in the 3rd inning with a sac fly from Jaiden Fields to plate Hannah Davila.
Three innings later, Tennessee still trailed 1-0 in the bottom of the 6th and desperately needed some offensive momentum. A single from senior Riley West gave the Lady Vols some opportunity to score, and Sophia Nugent was the answer. Her big blast was the lone homer on the day, giving Tennessee the lead, 3-1.
Karlyn Pickens got the start in the circle for the first five innings. She finished with eight strikeouts while allowing three hits and a run. However, Georgia began the sixth inning with back-to-back singles, so Peyton Gottshall pitched 2.0 innings in relief.
To end the game, Gottshall retired Georgia's final six batters in order with three strikeouts.
Next, Tennessee starts another conference series against Mississippi State on Friday. The first pitch is set for 7 p.m. in Starkville.
