Gaston College softball increases winning streak to nine with DH sweep on Tuesday

The Gaston College softball team extended its win streak to nine with another doubleheader sweep Tuesday on a breezy, crystal-clear day at Gastonia's Caromont Health Park.

The Rhinos defeated Caldwell Tech 9-1 in six innings in the opener, 7-2 in the second game.

Gaston College (12-2) got contributions throughout the lineup in the sweep. The defense turned a double play and tagged a runner out on a squeeze play in game one.

Both pitchers, Abigail Gawlinski and Abigal Brewton, delivered complete game performances in the circle.

Gawlinski (5-2) scattered six hits through six innings of work in the opener, striking out six and walking four.

Brewton, who achieved the ultimate pitching feat with a perfect game against Fayetteville Tech just two days earlier, had some control issues at times, but she struck out 15 and made clutch pitches with runners on base.

"Both pitchers weren't quite as sharp as they have been, but they executed really well when they had to make pitches with runners in scoring position," Rhinos coach Michael Steuerwald said.

On the offensive side, Gaston College punched out 13 hits in game one in support of Gawlinski. Grace Kealy (2-for-2, 4 RBIs), Alayna Patrick (2-for-2, RBI), Dakota Marshall (2-for-3, triple), Kendall Bradshaw (2-for-4) and Skye Harrington (1-for-3, 2 RBIs) made the big contributions.
Harrington's two-RBI single sparked a five-run uprising in the fifth inning to put the game out of reach.

Third baseman Kealy made the defensive play of the game in the top of the second when she tracked down a squeeze bunt and tagged out a Caldwell Tech runner at home on a close play.

In game two, Highland Tech alum Emma Ghorley went 2-for-4 with a double and two RBIs to lead the offense. Marshall and Patrick both hit doubles, and Kealy contributed an RBI single.

Brewton (7-0) pitched a four-hitter with seven walks.

"We had great team wins today against Caldwell," Steuerwald said. "They are a scrappy group that really competes, so anytime you can sweep them it is a good day."

The Rhinos continue their home stand Friday with a doubleheader at Caromont Health Park against Patrick & Henry Community College that starts at noon.