Charleston Southern rallies for 8-7 win over Camels

BUIES CREEK, N.C. – Brooke Lein's two-out, two-run homer lifted Charleston Southern to an 8-7 win over Campbell Wednesday and a three-game Big South Conference series sweep at Amanda Littlejohn Stadium.

The Bucs (24-15, 6-3) entered the top of the seventh trailing 7-5 but a leadoff walk by Stevi Johnson and Stephanie Baro's single started the winning rally. Johnson eventually scored on a wild pitch to cut the gap to 7-6, but Brittany McPherson's comebacker was the second out of the frame.

However, Lein drove a 1-0 pitch from Julia Callicutt (8-6) over the left center field wall for what proved to be the winning run. Campbell loaded the bases on three walks by Jennifer Giles (8-7) in the bottom of the seventh, but Stephanie Jones grounded sharply to third for a force out to end the game.

Campbell (19-18, 2-9) rallied from a 5-1 deficit by sending 11 batters to the plate in a six-run fifth inning. Ericka Nesbitt's two-run double brought CU within 5-3 and she stole third and scored on a throwing error. Stephanie Jones then homered (her fourth of the year) to tie the score. Brittany Bruce singled with one out and Camise Patterson launched her fourth round-tripper to give Campbell its first lead.

Johnson finished the day 3-for-3 at the plate for Charleston Southern, which scored eight runs on just seven hits. Chandler Patterson was 3-of-3 for the Camels, while Nesbitt and Kerstine Womack each had two hits.

Giles earned the win in relief despite blowing a save opportunity. She gave up three runs on five hits with four walks and two strikeouts in a three-inning stint. Callicutt suffered the loss after surrendering four runs on three hits with three walks and four Ks in four innings.

Campbell continues its 13-game home stand Friday with a 4:00 p.m. double header against Longwood.

Print Friendly Version