Gaston College records DH shutout in Region 10 Division I action

No. 13-ranked Gaston College's softball team recorded a pair of shutouts - 9-0 and 17-0 - in five innings by the "mercy rule" on Friday afternoon in Region 10 Division I action at USC Union.

The sweep improves the Rhinos to 35-3 overall and 4-0 in Region 10 Division I action - and comes after an eight-day layoff.

"From a coaching standpoint, you worry after having a long layoff that maybe you'll be out of rhythm because nobody wants to practice four days straight at this point of the year," Gaston College coach Mike Steuerwald said. "But the group did a good job of being locked in and did what they needed to do in practice to be ready to go today."

Kristyn Ezzo (four strikeouts) and Savanna Mullins (five strikeouts) fired back-to-back three-hitters on Friday and were supported by an error-free defense and 28-hit offense over the 10 innings of action.

Kendall Bradshaw (5 hits, 2 triples, 1 RBI), Sarah Johnson (5 hits, triple, 7 RBIs), Alayna Patrick (5 hits, 2 doubles, 5 RBIs), Skye Harrington (3 hits, double, 3 RBIs), Grace Kealy (3 hits) and Savanna Price (3 hits, 3 RBIs) powered the Rhinos' offense.

"There were a lot of good things for us today," Steuerwald said.

Gaston College returns to action on Sunday for a 1 p.m. Region 10 Division I doubleheader that starts at 1 p.m. against USC Sumter. The Rhinos will celebrating "Faith and Family Day" at Gastonia's CaroMont Health Park.