GAME 1 | Fayetteville State 7, Johnson C. Smith 3
CHARLOTTE, NC --Junior Braynka Brown had everything working on Friday, punching out eight Johnson C. Smith hitters over seven innings of work to help power the Fayetteville State Broncos past the Golden Bulls 7-3.
In addition to her eight strikeouts, Brown (7-6) threw seven innings, giving up three runs, one earned, on three hits and walking six for Fayetteville State (16-15, 11-4 CIAA).
Freshman Olivia Jackson led the way offensively for the Broncos, going 2-for-4 in the ballgame with two RBI. Sophomore Sierra put together a standout performance at the plate as well, going 2-for-4 with an RBI. Sophomore BreAnna Steele also contributed, going 1-for-2 for Fayetteville State with a walk and an RBI.
HOW IT HAPPENED
The Broncos got on the board immediately, starting their scoring with one run in the top of the first inning. Fayetteville State scored twice, with one run coming across on Jackson's single.
The Broncos lost the lead they built in the first, but got back on the board in the third trailing 3-2. Fayetteville State scored once on an RBI single off the bat of senior Grace Vincent, which evened the score at 3-3.
That 3-3 tie turned into a 4-3 Fayetteville State lead in the fourth.
Fayetteville State held the Golden Bulls without a run before their offense got back in action the next inning. The Broncos scored once on an RBI single off the bat of Steele, bringing the score to 5-3 in favor of Fayetteville State.
The Broncos kept Johnson C. Smith off the board before expanding their lead to 7-3 in the seventh inning. Fayetteville State brought home a pair, with one run driven in by sophomore Sierra 's single. The score remained 7-3 for the rest of the game, as the Broncos coasted to the win.
GAME NOTES
» Brown struck out eight Golden Bulls hitters.
» Every Fayetteville State starter reached base safely in the win.
» Fayetteville State's highest scoring inning was the seventh, when it pushed two runs across.
» The Broncos out-hit the Golden Bulls at a 10-3 clip.
» Fayetteville State went 6-for-19 (.316) with runners in scoring position.
» Fayetteville State pitchers limited Johnson C. Smith to just 0-for-7 with runners in scoring position.
» Fayetteville State pitchers faced 31 Johnson C. Smith hitters in the game, allowing eight ground balls and five fly balls while striking out eight.
» Jackson led the Broncos at the plate, going 2-for-4 with two RBI.
» Johnson C. Smith was led offensively by freshman Tyika Garr-Carter, who went 1-for-3.
» Freshman Alissa Alvarado led the Golden Bulls pitching staff, throwing seven innings of seven-run ball.
