Southern Miss softball (12-13, 0-0 Sun Belt) edged out Alabama State 8-7 in an extra-inning thriller this past Tuesday night, marking their eighth win in the last ten games as they head into conference play. Freshmen Carrie Green and Kayla Giardina delivered standout performances to secure the victory.
Carrie Green led the Golden Eagles with a career-high four hits, including three doubles. Green became the first Southern Miss player to record four hits in a game this season and the first to tally three doubles in a single game since Katie Cleary in 2014. Green’s final double in the eighth inning set up the game-winning RBI, which was driven in by freshman Hannah Christian.
“It was a team effort, and I'm glad I could contribute,” Green said.
Southern Miss took an early lead with a three-run second inning, sparked by a solo home run from Kayce Bennett and capped off by a two-RBI double from Green. Alabama State tied the game with a sacrifice fly and a two-RBI double, but the Golden Eagles regained control with a four-run sixth inning, highlighted by doubles from Green and Christian.
Alabama State responded with a four-run rally in the bottom of the seventh, including a three-run homer by Talee Sims to force extra innings.
Freshman pitcher Kayla Giardina was crucial in relief, striking out nine batters over three innings, including the first eight she faced. Senior pitcher Jana Lee closed out the game, striking out the final batter to earn her fifth win of the season.
Southern Miss outhit Alabama State 13-9, extending their streak of double-digit hit games to five, the longest in program history. Along with Green, Christian, Ryanna Valdivia, and Bennett each recorded multi-hit performances.
The Golden Eagles begin Sun Belt Conference play tonight with a series at Georgia Southern.
