“We showed a lot of heart today by coming back in both games,” said head coach Geoff Hirai. “We fell short against Cal State Fullerton but got a good win against Santa Clara. This team is learning how to fight and it’s fun to watch.”
The Redhawks close the weekend with another pair of games on Sunday, facing Idaho State at 9 a.m. and CSU Fullerton at 11:15 a.m. Live stats for the game vs. Idaho State can be found at http://stats.statbroadcast.com/broadcast/?id=125443 and vs. CSU Fullerton can be found at http://stats.statbroadcast.com/broadcast/?id=125444.
Game 1: Cal State Fullerton 3, Seattle U 2
After four and a half scoreless innings, Cal State Fullerton scored a run apiece in the fifth and sixth, but the Redhawks were able to strand three Titan runners on base in the sixth and seventh to prevent further scoring.
The Titans ahead, 2-0, heading into the seventh, Rose Saenz (San Gabriel, Calif.) hit a two-run two-out homer to tie the game. Cal State Fullerton was able to load the bases and drive home the walk-off winner on an Alexis Gonzalez single up the middle.
Andie Larkins (Tucson, Ariz.) suffered the loss for SU, entering for the final 2/3 innings of relief, while Sydney Golden picked up the win in the circle for Cal State Fullerton, striking out four in the complete game outing.
Game 2: Seattle U 6, Santa Clara 3
Santa Clara took an early two-run lead in the bottom of the first, a lead they would carry through the end of the third inning.
The Redhawks gained the lead on a steady offensive attack, tacking on a run apiece in the fourth through sixth innings on a pair of base hits from Maddy Kristjanson (Mountlake Terrace, Wash.) and Paige Bouska (Keizer, Ore.) and a sac fly from Kristjanson.
Leading 3-2, Seattle U tacked on three more runs in the top of the seventh on a trio of hits to lead 6-2. Santa Clara added a run on a Casandra Padilla single to center field in the bottom of the frame but SU would come away with the 6-3 win.
Larkins earned a win, pitching six innings and striking out three while Micaela Vierra pitched the complete game loss for Santa Clara, striking out five.