(Gilbert, AZ) The Park University Gilbert softball team split a pair of games against the University of Antelope Valley on Saturday afternoon, winning the first 3-2 while dropping the second in a nailbiter matchup 4-3.
Scoring began early on in the bottom of the second after Sierra Myers scored off of a big two base hit from Raylissa Garcia.
Mariah Martinez held her own in the circle, allowing five hits and striking out nine Pioneers hitters.
Antelope Valley was unable to score a run until the top of the fifth. The Pioneers were set up nicely with the bases loaded in the fifth inning, and, even with two outs, Jada Bolar was able to cash in with a two-run single to give the Pioneers their first runs and first lead of the game.
In Buccaneer fashion, the team responded with two runs of their own before leaving the fifth. A Natalie Castro triple base hit sent Anissa Corrales through home, followed by Danielle Farinas’double to put Castro up on the board.
Abril Nerey came in to get the save in the seventh inning, closing it out with a solid inning to give the Bucs the 3-2 victory.
During game two, Bolar contributed another RBI following an error made in the infield. With two on base, Hailey Yamaguchi had a crucial single base hit to bring Bolar through home plate.
In the bottom of the fourth, Gabby Romero blasted a two run homer to tie up the score 2-2. The entirety of the sixth inning proved to be anyone’s game. Yamaguchi was able to reach second on another Buccaneer error, which allowed Dakota Edwards to score and give Antelope Valley the lead. Nerey got herself out of the jam with a line drive and strike out to close out the inning.
Park scored yet again with Farinas contributing an RBI. She finished hitting 1-2 and 1-3 in game one and two respectively.
The Pioneers stepped up in the top of the seventh, and found their way to the slim one-run lead. With Shayla Young at first, Kristin Young mustered up a game winning two base hit that allowed Young to advance through home. The Bucs were unable to answer in the bottom half, and the Pioneers walked away from day one with a doubleheader split.
The team will resume action with another double header against Antelope Valley on March 26 at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. The games are scheduled to be played at Williams Field High School.
Press Release courtesy of Park University Athletics – Lainie Hallows
Click on link & use PROMO Code 520602SPORTS for 20% discount
