Kaitlin Lee’s perfect game makes MGCCC 14-0

Kaitlin Lee threw a perfect game to keep Mississippi Gulf Coast's perfect start intact Saturday, downing Southern Union 3-0 at the Sun Chief Classic in Gulf Shores, Ala.

The sophomore, who has signed with Ole Miss, had to go a ways to top her teammate Kristen Gardner's one-hitter over Enterprise State in a 9-0 five-inning victory.

Gulf Coast is now 14-0.

Lee said it was the first perfect game of her life, and it started by striking out the first six batters she faced.

"Every pitch she had was working good," Gulf Coast coach Kenneth Long said. "She stayed ahead in counts the whole time. He changeup was working, her riseball was working. Her screwball or curveball. Coach (Christie Meeks) said it was the easiest job she's ever had calling pitches. She just flowed. It was awesome."

Lee struck out 11 on the game, needing only 69 pitches.

"I got good and loose before the game," she said. "I knew I was about to hit my spots. My hitters weren't hitting very well at the beginning of the game, so I knew I had to back them up. I was just being extra sharp today, I guess."

Deborah Elmore broke up the scoreless tie with a two-run single in the fifth. She and Molly Murphy had two hits, with Murphy and Hannah Melendrez doubling.

There was much more offense the first game of the day, with Gulf Coast getting out to a fast start for Gardner. Lexie Mathis homered for the seventh time this year, making it 2-0 in the first.

Elmore had a two-run double in the second, the big blow of a six-run outburst. Camry Griffith doubled in the ninth run in the fifth.

"I like the extra runs, but I know Kait likes the tight game," Gardner said. "She's always told me that."

Griffith and Mathis had two hits for the Lady Bulldogs.

"I try not to think about our record too much because I want to stay humble without getting a big head," Lee said. "It's great. It feels awesome, and I'm experiencing it with a great group of girls. I couldn't be happier."