College of Charleston
Charleston Southern
Jordin Jones Hits Three Home Runs as Cougars Sweep Charleston Southern
4/21/2016 2:16:00 AM | Softball
MOUNT PLEASANT, S.C. - Jordin Jones hit three home runs between two games, including a walk-off two-run shot in the bottom of the seventh inning of the first game, as The College of Charleston softball team sweeps Charleston Southern, 7-6, and, 6-0.
“This does not happen every day.” Jordin Jones said “I'm not going to lie, I was a little surprised I hit three today. I feel like home runs are a gift, and I just happened to be blessed today, and I'm glad I could do something big to help our team.”
The Cougars (26-20, 4-8) got off to a slow start against their cross-town rival, Charleston Southern (20-27, 8-9), trailing for much of the first game before Jordin Jones's winning walk-off blast. Jones finished the day batting 4-7 with, three home runs, four RBI and four runs scored. She also drew a walk, and stole a base against the Buccaneers. Taylor DuPree also played a big role for the Cougars, as she led all players with five hits, and stole a base as well.
“We have been on the wrong side of these comeback wins, so it was really good to see our team dig deep and make plays when we needed them.” Head Coach Linda Kalafatis said. “We didn't come out with our best stuff, but we rebounded, and that's what good teams do.”
Game 1: Charleston 7, Charleston Southern 6
Taylor DuPree recorded two hits and an RBI, and Jordin Jones had two homers in the first game against the Buccaneers. Six different Cougars contributed to The College's eight hits on the day, and they also picked up two stolen bases while only striking out twice.
The issue for the Cougars came in the form of a tough opening inning that saw them give up three runs due to a series of tough hits from CSU. Brittany Violette started her second career game for Charleston, tossing three complete innings before being relieved by Sydney Shipley. Shipley went three complete innings as well, and gave up only one run, on a home run in the top of the seventh that tied the game. Valerie Cassell came in to relieve Shipley in the seventh, and struck out one en route to picking up her fifth win of the season.
The Cougars and Buccaneers were tied at five heading into the final inning of play, and after CSU took the lead in the top, Charleston rallied to take it back. Valerie Cassell drew a walk to get on base, and Jones came through with the walk-off homer to secure the win in the next at-bat.
Game 2: Charleston 6, Charleston Southern 0
The twilight matchup between these two Holy City denizens proved to lean much more in the College's favor, as they took a 3-0 lead in the bottom of the second, and would never look back. DuPree recorded three of Charleston's nine hits, and Jones racked up two hits and a walk. As a team, CofC drew five walks, and did not strike out once in the second game.
Samantha Martin started for the Cougars on the mound, and picked up her 12th win of the season. She maintained a perfect game through four complete innings before giving up a hit in the fifth inning. Martin ended the day with four strikeouts, and did not walk a single batter. Cassell came in to relieve Martin to start the sixth, and she allowed only two hits, and struck out two over her two innings of work. Cassell now has amassed 47 strikeouts through 47.1 innings of work this season.
What's Up Next
The Cougars will look to take this momentum into their next series, when they welcome Towson to the Softball Field at Patriots Point for a three game weekend series. The action starts with a double-header on Saturday, April 23, starting at 2 p.m. The third and final game will be played on Sunday, April 24 at 12:30 p.m. For more information regarding College of Charleston softball, follow the team on Twitter at @CofCSoftball, or head over to CofCSports.com.
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