ANDERSON, S.C. - Anderson University softball head coach Tommy Hewitt earned his 500th career coaching victory after guiding his Trojans to a game one, 10-0(5), victory and a game two win, 5-3, courtesy of a walk-off home run on Saturday afternoon at the AU Softball Complex. The Trojans moved to (29-5, 12-2 SAC) while the Wolves dropped to (28-12, 9-7 SAC).
"Simply put, two wins today, 29-5 overall, 12-2 in the SAC for 500," said Hewitt. "Priceless!
Anderson out hit Newberry 8-2 in game one, 10-0(5), victory using three doubles and a triple to score 10 runs. Sophomore Laken Maxwell (16-3) pitched a five inning shutout, giving up just two hits while striking out seven batters.
Senior Morgan Charter went 2-for-2 with three runs scored with junior Olivia Wheeler going 2-for-4, including a triple and driving in four runs for the Black and Gold.
In game two, both Newberry and Anderson scored in the opening frame. After the Wolves manufactured a run in the top half of the inning, senior Kayson Boatner hit a solo shot down the left field line to tie the game at, 1-1.
Newberry tacked on two more runs in the fifth inning to take a, 3-1 lead over Anderson. The Trojans went down in order in the bottom half of the fifth, holding the Wolves scoreless in the top of the sixth. AU's Charter led the inning off with a home run over the left field fence to pull the Trojans within one, 3-2. The Wolves worked their way out of a jam to secure the one run lead heading into the seventh.
The Trojans escaped the top of the seventh inning after a one out double threatened to extend the Wolves lead. With coach Hewitt's 500th win hanging in the balance, AU's Wheeler hit her first home run of the season to tie the game at, 3-3. Following two fly outs and Charter drawing a walk, the Wolves decided to pitch to Boatner to keep the winning run off of second base. Boatner drilled her second home run of the day and 20th of the season to help the Trojans secure their fifth win in a row and coach Hewitt's 500th career triumph.
Senior Harlie Duncan (12-2) pitched a complete game, giving up six hits and striking out three.
Anderson returns to action on Monday when it host SAC opponent Catawba. First-pitch is slated for 1:00 p.m., with live stats and video available at www.autrojans.com.
