The College of Coastal Georgia softball team opened their season with a 6-4 victory over Abraham Baldwin on Friday afternoon at home in Brunswick.
The Mariners received a complete-game performance from pitcher Rylee Mills, who went all seven innings, allowing four runs on eight hits while striking out three batters. Mills worked efficiently, throwing 85 pitches while scattering eight hits and keeping Abraham Baldwin's offense in check when it mattered most.
Coastal Georgia's offense produced 11 hits on the day, with several players contributing to the winning effort. Rily Andrews led the way with a two-run home run as part of a 2-for-3 performance, while Rylie Smith added a solo home run. The Mariners' power display in the middle innings proved to be the difference in the contest.
Julianna Batts had a productive day at the plate, going 2-for-3 with an RBI double. Mackenzie Southerland also doubled and drove in a run, finishing 1-for-3. Mills helped her own cause at the plate, going 2-for-3, while Kaitlyn Carolino and Emma Jones each contributed a hit.
The game started with Abraham Baldwin taking an early 1-0 lead in the first inning when L. Metts opened the scoring with a home run. The Mariners answered in the second inning, plating two runs on doubles by Southerland and Batts to take a 2-1 advantage.
Abraham Baldwin responded in the third inning with a three-run frame highlighted by A. Eidson's three-run homer, giving the Fillies a 4-2 lead. The Mariners immediately answered in the bottom of the third, scoring three runs to retake the lead at 5-4. The rally featured an RBI groundout by Jones and Andrews' two-run blast.
Coastal Georgia added an insurance run in the fourth inning when Smith connected on her solo home run, extending the lead to 6-4. From there, Mills shut down the Abraham Baldwin offense over the final three innings to preserve the victory.
The Mariners committed three errors in the contest but made the defensive plays when necessary. Carolino added a stolen base, showcasing Coastal Georgia's aggressive baserunning approach.
Abraham Baldwin received strong relief work from R. Vann, who pitched three scoreless innings after replacing starter T. Rollins. Rollins was charged with all six runs over three innings of work. H. Capps led the Fillies with three hits, including a double.
The Mariners begin their season on a winning note as they look to build momentum moving forward.
