No. 15 Gaston College continues its high-scoring ways in DH sweep

One day after getting the highest ranking in program history, Gaston College's softball team continued it torrid early-season surge Tuesday afternoon with a doubleheader sweep of Walters State, Tenn., at Gastonia's CaroMont Health Park.

The Rhinos won 15-4 in five innings in the opener then took a 10-2 victory in 4 1/2 innings in the nightcap. Both games were shortened to five innings due to the mercy rule.

"The lineup is doing great," Gaston College coach Mike Steuerwald said of his offense that collected 22 hits in nine innings of hitting on Tuesday. "I'm glad I don't have to call pitches to it."

The high scoring marked the 14th and 15th double-digits efforts in 24 games so far this season for the Rhinos, who on Monday were ranked a school-best No. 15 in the National Junior College Athletic Association Division I poll.

"You can look at our lineup right now and just say they consistently get competitive at-bats and make it tough on other team's pitchers," Steuerwald said. "And it's made it a lot easier on our pitching staff because we're not pitching from behind very often."

The wins improved Gaston College to 22-2 on the season.

Skye Harrington (4 hits, home run, 4 RBIs), Grace Kealy (4 hits, double, home run, 3 RBIs), Sarah Johnson (4 hits, double, home run, 3 RBIs), Katelyn Brandon (3 hits, 2 home runs, 3 RBIs), Alayna Patrick (2 hits, double) and Mary Hinson (2 hits, 2 RBIs) were offensive standouts for the the Rhinos, who won on Brandon's two-run walkoff home run in the bottom of the fifth inning in the opener and after a seven-run fourth inning in the nightcap.

On the mound, Abigail Brewton (4 1/3 innings) and Savanna Mullins (2/3 innings) combined on a five-hitter in the opener and Kristyn Ezzo threw a four-hitter in the nightcap.

"They're a really good squad," Steuerwald said of Walters State, which was No. 5 in the NJCAA preseason poll and was among the teams "receiving votes" in Monday's first regular season poll. "They're still receiving votes and they have a lot of really talented players.
"So for us to come out and win two games by the run rule is a really impressive job."

Gaston College returns to action on Saturday in a noon doubleheader at Gastonia's CaroMont Health Park against Gordon State, Ga., on "First Responders/Military Appreciation Day."

The Rhinos won 11-10 and 8-0 at Gordon State two weekends ago.

"I hope we have a good crowd for our first responders and military appreciation day," Steuerwald said. "Our players have done a really good job through 24 games and we'll look to keep it going."