STOCKTON, Calif. – Seattle University softball rallied past Nevada for a 4-3 win on Saturday morning. SU scored four runs in the sixth inning to close out action at the Libby Matson Tournament, host by Pacific.
Carley Nance and Blake Craft locked into a pitcher's duel early, working through each offense to keep the game scoreless into the sixth frame. Nevada got on the board first, though, scoring two runs in the top of the sixth.
In the bottom of the inning, Nance singled to ignite a rally. Hannah Sasaki pinch-ran and then with one out, Mekenzie Madokoro was hit by a pitch. After another out, Alyson Matriotti singled down the rightfield line to drive in Sasaki. Matriotti stole second and Olivia Viggiano came through with a base hit to right, bringing in two runs for a 3-2 lead. Viggiano followed by stealing second. Cherise Silvan added an insurance run with a double to left.
Nevada did not give up in the seventh, however. Nance got one out, but surrendered a walk, and SU went to Shi Smith in relief. The Wolf Pack doubled to put runners at second and third. A sacrifice fly made it 4-3 with two outs. Smith closed out the win with a swinging strikeout.
Nance got the win, pitching 6.1 innings and giving up four hits, while striking out four. Vigiano and Silvan both tallied two hits, while Madison Cathcart added a hit and a walk.
The Redhawks head to Palm Springs, California, for the 2020 Mary Nutter Classic next weekend.
Carley Nance and Blake Craft locked into a pitcher's duel early, working through each offense to keep the game scoreless into the sixth frame. Nevada got on the board first, though, scoring two runs in the top of the sixth.
In the bottom of the inning, Nance singled to ignite a rally. Hannah Sasaki pinch-ran and then with one out, Mekenzie Madokoro was hit by a pitch. After another out, Alyson Matriotti singled down the rightfield line to drive in Sasaki. Matriotti stole second and Olivia Viggiano came through with a base hit to right, bringing in two runs for a 3-2 lead. Viggiano followed by stealing second. Cherise Silvan added an insurance run with a double to left.
Nevada did not give up in the seventh, however. Nance got one out, but surrendered a walk, and SU went to Shi Smith in relief. The Wolf Pack doubled to put runners at second and third. A sacrifice fly made it 4-3 with two outs. Smith closed out the win with a swinging strikeout.
Nance got the win, pitching 6.1 innings and giving up four hits, while striking out four. Vigiano and Silvan both tallied two hits, while Madison Cathcart added a hit and a walk.
The Redhawks head to Palm Springs, California, for the 2020 Mary Nutter Classic next weekend.