CHATTANOOGA –
Makalyn Kyser launched a two run homer in the sixth inning, but the Gamecocks couldn't overcome the early deficit, falling to Chattanooga 3-2 on Wednesday. The Mocs were picked to finish first in the SoCon preseason poll and currently have a 4-1 record in conference play.
The Gamecocks (23-14) managed four hits in the first three frames before being held to one by Chattanooga (25-9) the remainder of the game.
Jax State looked the part at the plate early, putting on a pair of baserunners with one out before stranding the pair without a run to show for it. The Gamecocks flirted again in the second, loading the bases with just one out before failing to push one across.
Chattanooga capitalized in the home half of the inning, stringing together two hits and taking an early 1-0 lead.
Kailey Martin doubled in the third, giving the Gamecocks a runner in scoring position before a popout and strikeout ended the threat.
Jax State starting pitcher
Jaliyah Holmes gave way to
Jordan Eslinger in the fourth inning, capping off her outing at 3.0 innings while striking out three and allowing one earned run.
After a scoreless fourth from both sides, Chattanooga tagged Jax State for two more runs in the fifth courtesy of a trio of hits.
Kat Carter entered for the Gamecocks to end the frame and limit the damage.
In the top of the sixth,
Makalyn Kyser launched a two out, two run homer to cut the UTC lead down to one. Kyser's homer was Jax State's first hit since Martin's third inning double.
Amber Reed and Martin drew back-to-back walks with two outs in the seventh, but the Gamecock comeback attempt fell short with a strikeout.
Nowakowski and Martin each reached base three times in Wednesday's contest, both finishing 1-for-2 with a hit and a pair of walks apiece.
Jax State resumes Conference USA play this weekend in a road series at Louisiana Tech. The Gamecocks and Bulldogs open up the series on Friday at 6 p.m. at Dr. Billy Bundrick Field in Ruston, La.
Admission to all Jax State Softball games is free courtesy of Martin's Family Clothing.
