BAKERSFIELD, Calif. – The Roadrunner softball team opened Western Athletic Conference play on Friday with a home doubleheader against the Grand Canyon Lopes. CSU Bakersfield came from behind in Game 1 to take a 3-2 victory, but fell 7-3 in the second game of the day.
"We're playing a lot better ball, even in the second game" said Crissy Buck-Ziegler, Head Coach of the `Runners. "We had some errors; those were costly and we have got to clean those up. Summer looked calm and relaxed. We stopped worrying about the wins and losses and just concentrated on enjoying the game. Julea has been like this all year long. She is just playing her game and using her speed."
Senior Summer Evans led the `Runners in Game 1 with a complete-game victory. The right hander went on to pitch 10.2 innings on the day, after coming in to relieve in Game 2. Senior outfielder Julea Cavazos paced the `Runners from the plate as CSUB's leadoff batter went 4-for-6 against the Lopes. CSUB had six RBI on Day 1 of the WAC series including a pair from junior Paige Johnson.
Game 1
Evans, a native of Escondido, Calif., did well to keep the Lopes quiet through the first two innings, retiring six of the first seven batters. GCU, which came into the weekend scoring over five runs per game, broke through in the top of the third with a pair of runs. Bianca Boling hit a two-run home run over the right field fence to put the Lopes ahead.
The `Runners answered right back in the bottom half of the third with three runs of their own. With the bases loaded, Chris Hipa's RBI single plated Gabrielle Fua. Johnson, CSUB's starting third baseman, plated seniors Kaylynn Burt and Cavazos with an RBI single to put the `Runners ahead 3-2.
The game returned to a pitchers' duel after the third inning, but GCU put together a rally in the top of the seventh. Boling singled to lead off the inning and the Lopes put two runs on base, but Evans induced a line out to seal the victory.
Evans (1-13) picked up her first victory of the season thanks to a gritty effort and just enough run support. The senior scattered nine hits while striking out a pair of Lopes in the complete-game victory. Cavazos went 2-for-3 from the plate while making an assist from the outfield. Six `Runners tallied one hit in the game and Johnson's two RBI led all players.
Burt was hit by a pitch in the third inning, which was important as she eventually scored, but also had a bigger meaning. The senior from Fresno, Calif. was plunked for the 21st time in her career, a new CSUB Division I record. Burt's speed and knack for getting on base has helped the outfielder become one of the team's top run producers.
Game 2
The second game of the day began in a similar manner as the first with the Lopes taking an early lead. After GCU scored one run in the top of the second, the `Runners responded in the bottom half of the inning with another three-run inning.
CSUB opened the frame with three-straight singles while freshman Ariana Acedo's final single drove in the first run. Sophomore Cydney Curran plated a run with her sacrifice fly to put the `Runners ahead by a run. Cavazos rounded out the scoring with her double to left field as CSUB gained a 3-1 advantage.
The second game's similarities to the first ended there as the Lopes put up a three-spot of their own in the top of the third to regain the lead, 4-3. GCU added one run in the fourth, sixth, and seventh innings and freshman Yesenia Morrison closed out the 7-3 win with an impressive, complete-game effort.
Cavazos went 2-for-3 again to round out the day as CSUB's top offensive weapon. Sophomore catcher Karah Wiseman also went 2-for-3 in Game 2 with a run scored. Freshman Daryn Hitzel (2-5) took the loss after pitching 3.1 innings and allowing five runs, one of which was unearned.
Series Finale
CSUB (4-25, 1-1 WAC) and GCU (20-18, 1-1 WAC) will return to the Roadrunner Softball Complex on Saturday for the series' rubber match. First pitch is scheduled for 1 p.m. in Bakersfield.
~GoRunners.com~
