Athens battled back from an early deficit to defeat Central A&M 7-4 on Tuesday night behind clutch hitting, strong pitching, and a standout defensive performance from AJ Crispen in center field.
Central A&M jumped ahead 3-0 in the second inning after RBI singles from Olivia Kerby and Riley Hazelwonder. Athens answered in the fourth when Jaci Derringer launched a solo home run to left field before the Warriors tied the game later in the inning with help from defensive miscues.
Athens took the lead for good in the fifth inning when Kenzie Szoke delivered a two-run single to put the Warriors ahead 5-3. The Warriors added two more insurance runs in the sixth to extend the lead to 7-3. Central A&M got one back in the seventh on an RBI double from Kayla McPeek, but Athens held on to secure the win.
AJ Crispen played a huge role defensively for the Warriors, making two diving catches in center field along with a running catch near the wall that prevented extra bases and helped Athens keep momentum throughout the game.
Szoke led Athens offensively by going 3-for-4 with 3 RBIs, while Derringer added two hits and a home run. Preslie DeVaney Barnard earned the win in relief for Athens.
Top Players:
- Kenzie Szoke (Athens): 3-for-4, 3 RBIs
- AJ Crispen (Athens): 3 highlight defensive plays in center field
- Jaci Derringer (Athens): HR, 2 hits
- Preslie DeVaney Barnard (Athens): Winning pitcher
- Olivia Kerby (Central A&M): 2-for-3, 2 RBIs
- Riley Hazelwonder (Central A&M): 2 hits, 8 strikeouts
AJ Crispen talks dominant defensive performance for Athens
Liv Kerby hits a 2RBI Double for Central A&M
AJ Crispin “highlight” reel of the night on defense for Athens
Brookleyn Jackson with the throwout at 3rd for Central A&M
#3 Isabel Ingram hits a beauty to center that brought in 2 runs for Athens tonight.
#5 Emma Crispen with a great catch at third base for Athens.
#23 Calli Robertson with a smooth single to start the game for CAM tonight.
#1 Riley Hazelwonder recorded 8Ks tonight for Central A&M.
Kirby to Snearly to Jackson for the OUT at the plate for Central A&M.
#11 Kenzie Szoke brings in 2RBI’s for Athens.
#7 Jaci Derringer CRUSHES this homer off the scoreboard for Athens.
#1 Riley Hazelwonder with a sweet RBI Double for Central A&M
#14 Kayla McPeek sneaks a hit down the right field line to bring in a run for Central A&M.