Kristen Brown hit a grand slam against Elon for her 44th home run, a UNC career record
Posted April 25, 2015
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. – History was made on Wednesday evening, as Kristen Brown blasted a grand slam in the fourth inning to break the University of North Carolina softball career home run record during the 12-4 victory over Elon.
The long ball was the 44th of the junior’s career and 21st of the season, a UNC single-season record.
“Grand slam at home, last home game, that’s awesome!” said Brown as she reflected on the moment after the contest.
She was quick to give credit to her teammates as well, as the Tar Heels have now hit a school record 82 long balls in 2015.
“Being able to have the opportunity to break the record is because my lineup is so stacked, every single girl,” exclaimed Brown. “I wouldn’t be able to get good pitches if my lineup wasn’t so stacked so I owe it to them too.”
In her 30th season, Head Coach Donna J. Papa lauded her shortstop’s work ethic that has led her to this point.
“It’s really exciting…She’s one of the people we want up at the plate with runners on because she can really do some damage” said Papa. “ She’s just a great hitter and she’s really worked hard.”
Brown started the scoring in the second inning with an RBI single to bring home Aquilla Mateen. Two batters later Jenna Kelly blasted a two-run homer to make it a 3-0 UNC lead.
Elon picked up two runs in the top of the fourth on an Emily Cameron line drive to third base with the bases loaded.
After Brown’s grand slam in the bottom of the inning, Lauren Walker hit a two-RBI double before being caught in a pickle between second and third to end the fourth.
In the sixth, the Phoenix’s Aly Quintana hit a solo home run and Emily Cameron hit knocked an RBI double to make it a five run UNC lead.
Carolina answered in the bottom of the sixth back with a Kendra Lynch three-run bomb that ended the game.
Sydney Matzko earned the win in the circle, pitching five innings while fanning three batters, allowing two runs. Lynch came in to throw an inning of relief in the sixth, striking out one.
The Tar Heels will travel to East Carolina tomorrow for a 5 p.m. meeting with the Pirates.