A walk-off From Scalzo leads Lee to a series win over UAH
CLEVELAND, Tenn. – Alexa Scalzo hit a two-run home run in the bottom of the eighth inning to walk it off as Lee University softball defeated the University of Alabama in Huntsville 6-4 on Sunday. The Lady Flames took the Gulf South Conference series two games to one. Lee improved to 9-4 overall and 2-3 in GSC play while UAH fell to 10-8 and 4-2.
It was only the second time in program history that Lee has won a series over UAH. The first time was in 2022.
UAH scored first in the contest in the top of the first. Jada Henderson doubled to drive in Lawren Hayes. Lee tied the game in the bottom of the third when Hailey Simco drove in Scalzo.
The Lady Flames scored three runs in the bottom of the fifth to take the lead. Ana Macha singled to get on base. After she stole second Simco drove her home with another single. After Simco stole second, Rylie Goodridge singled to put two runners on base. Javaria Smith then drove then bot home with a single and Lee led 4-1.
UAH got two runs back in the sixth as Maddie Cartron hit a two-run home run to make it 4-3. The Chargers then tied the game in the top of the seventh. An error by Scalzo at short allowed Brittany Slaten to score and send the game to extras at 4-4.
UAH got a base runner on with a hit in the eighth but left them stranded. Then in the bottom of the eighth, Ava Perkins led it off for Lee. She struck out to give Lee one out. Then Kaylee Wilson came up to bat. She was called out at first base, but after a review it was overturned and Wilson was safe at first. The very next pitch, Scalzo sent the ball over the left field fence to give Lee the 6-4 win.
Scalzo sent the ball over the left field fence to give Lee the 6-4 win.
Scalzo ended the day going 2-for-5 with one run and two RBI. Macha was 4-for-4 at the place with a run. Simco and Smith each had two RBI in the win.
Natalie Pruitt-Geesey started in the circle for the Lady Flames. She went five innings and gave up three runs on two hits. She walked four and struck out one. Layne Bailey came in to pitch in relief and earned her first career win. She threw three innings and had two hit and one unearned run.
Lee will host Lincoln Memorial University on Wednesday, February 26 at 2 PM. The doubleheader will be at Butler Field.
Coach Emily Russell’s Thoughts:
“I’m so proud of how the team approached this week of preparation bouncing back from a disappointing opening GSC weekend. Everyone worked on adjustments, and I felt like we made positive steps as a team this weekend. We had some good performances, and a lot of people had opportunities to impact the game for the team. I’m excited about another chance to grow this week and another challenge on the road this weekend. We have a tough mid-week test as well to prepare us.”
