(Mesa, AZ) On trend, the softball team at Park University Gilbert held their own on home turf, this time against the University of Saint Katherine. It was a successful Friday as they racked in yet another double header sweep winning the first game 8-0, and the second 3-0. The squad currently sits comfortably in second place in the California Pacific Conference with a 8-1 record, just behind Embry-Riddle’s 4-0 record.
It was a slow start to the game one victory, but certainly a loud ending. Both teams were unable to cash anything in during the first two innings, though the Buccaneers threatened in both frames. The Buccaneers unfortunately left two runners stranded in the first two innings, but this was just a sign for good things to come offensively.
Mariah Martinez got the ball for the first game, and worked out of a tough jam with two runners on after a hit by pitch and a walk in the top of the third inning. The bats got to work in the bottom half, as Natalie Castro drove in Anissa Corrales with an RBI single to center field for the first run of the game.
That was all for the Bucs in the bottom half of the third, but they came back in the bottom half of the fourth and added another one, this time thanks to some awry defensive action on the side of the Firebirds. Inside the fourth, the Buccaneers offense reached on two walks, two fielder’s choices, and a bunt single; finally, when Raylissa Garcia crossed the plate for the second run of the game, it was thanks to a wild pitch from Firebirds’ starter Cat Dages.
Martinez continued to roll from inside the circle, and was swiftly rewarded by her offense in the bottom half of the fifth. The Bucs strung some hits together in the frame, led off with a double by Gabby Romero. She eventually scored, and the Bucs tacked on another when Corrales was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded. Corrales was looking for that offensive opportunity to drive in a few runs, but never got the chance.
Luckily, though, Danielle Farinas got the chance. And, boy, did she take advantage of it; swatting her second home run of the season, clearing the bases with one swing, and walking off the opening game of the series in dramatic, mercy rule fashion.
Mariah Martinez shone on the mound once again, finishing with a nice line of five innings, one strikeout and just one hit allowed. In doing so, she also lowered her season ERA to a cool 3.23.
In game two, the Buccaneers held onto their 3-0 lead with a firmer grip. Action was distributed nicely throughout the last handful of innings.
Abril Nerey got the ball for game two, and coming off two spectacular shutout performances earlier in the week against Westcliff, she had momentum to build on her early bid for Cal Pac Pitcher of the Year.
Nerey started well, not allowing a runner to reach base while striking out four to open the first three frames. Though it was a quiet start, scoring opened up in the fourth as Castro scored on an error.
The Bucs added another in the fifth on an RBI single from Corrales, putting a feather in the cap of an already fantastic day from her. Martinez got in on the scoring with an RBI of her own, scoring Olivas during the sixth inning.
Nerey worked strong through the final few frames, not allowing a single runner to reach even third base at any point during her start. She finished strong in the seventh, striking out the first then forcing the final two hitters via putouts, closing the book on another fantastic outing by the Junior from Rio Rico, Ariz. She also finished with a season high six strikeouts, while allowing just two hits and no walks over the complete game shutout.
The Bucs pitching shone today, allowing just three hits over the entire 12 innings. Additionally, Farinas’ walk-off slam set two major Buccaneer milestones; it was the team’s eighth home run this season, setting a new program record for home runs in a season, as well as being the first grand slam in program history.
Park returns to Bell Bank Park on March 18 for another round of doubleheaders against the University of Saint Katherine at 12 p.m. and 2 p.m.
Press Release courtesy of Park University Athletics – Lainie Hallows
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