“Once again our pitching and defense delivered and we got a clutch hit by [Isabella Geronimo] in the seventh [in game two],” said head coach Dan Powers. “This was a great come from behind win for our young program and we found a way in our last at bat today.”
Game 1: Seattle U 3, Utah State 1
In game one, Seattle U’s early lead made the difference as the Redhawks added one run apiece in the opening two innings. Bubba Morrow (Auburn, Wash.) doubled to drive in Isabella Geronimo (San Mateo, Calif.) in the first, with Geronimo driving in Becca Cable (Tacoma, Wash.) on a single in the second. SU left three total runners on base over the two innings, as only one Aggie reached base on a walk until the top of the fourth.
Utah State threatened in the top of the fourth, as Jolene Koons scored and brought the Aggies within one, 2-1. USU loaded the bases to end the fifth and sixth innings but the Redhawks stranded all three runners on base each time to keep the lead.
The Redhawks added an insurance run in the bottom of the sixth as Sarah Petosa (Federal Way, Wash.) scored on a sacrifice hit by Hayley Beckstrom (Maple Valley, Wash.) to take the 3-1 win.
Morrow led the Redhawks with three hits, all doubles, while Geronimo recorded two.
In the circle, Mandie Sugita (Rossmoor, Calif.) earned the complete game win, allowing just one run on seven hits while walking two and striking out one. For the Aggies, Noelle Johnson gave up all three runs on seven hits while walking two and striking out four in 5 1/3 innings pitched. Shelbi Tyteca pitched the final 2/3 innings.
Game 2: Seattle U 2, Utah State 1
The Aggies took the early lead, 1-0, as Christine Thomsen hit an RBI single to drive in Koons, who scored both of Utah State’s runs on the day.
Seattle U had their best chance to score early, leaving two runners on base to end the third, with Cable left in scoring position. Each team left one runner on base in the fourth and fifth, with USU leaving a runner on base in the sixth and seventh, but it remained a one-run game going into the bottom of the seventh.
With one out, two straight walks advanced Seattle U runners to first and second. Following another out, a single by Allegra Wilde (Kennewick, Wash.) loaded the bases going into the final at bat. With two outs, Geronimo hit a walk-off 2RBI single to drive in Jenny Hurst (Laguna Niguel, Calif.) and Erin Crowley (Kent, Wash.) for the winning runs.
In the circle, Richelle Ashburn (Post Falls, Idaho) earned the complete game win, allowing one run on four hits while walking four and striking out five in seven innings pitched. Utah State’s Mandy Harmon allowed two hits and two runs in 6 2/3 innings pitched, while walking four and striking out three, and was handed the loss. Tyteca faced the final batter in the relief appearance.
The Redhawks and Aggies face for the final game of the series at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Apr. 13, which is SU’s “Strike Out Cancer” game. Proceeds from a raffle, silent auction, and popcorn sales at the game will benefit Susan G. Komen – Puget Sound. Stay tuned to GoSeattleU.com, @su_athletics on Twitter, and Seattle U Athletics on Facebook for the most up-to-date information on SU softball.