Embry-Riddle played their first games in almost two weeks at Rose Mofford in Phoenix on Wednesday and the Eagles won the first game 8-4 and took the second game 9-3.

Game 1

Game Highlights:

• Early Inning Struggles: Both teams started slow, with neither side scoring in the first two innings. Embry-Riddle's pitcher, Vanessa Brink, kept Nelson University-Arizona at bay, allowing no hits in the first inning despite a hit-by-pitch.

• Third Inning Breakthrough: The Eagles broke the deadlock in the third inning, scoring four runs. Leah Salas singled to center field, driving in Lily Anderson. Autumn Sulusi was hit by a pitch, loading the bases. Jade Bayless walked, bringing in another run, followed by a two-RBI single from Camille Graham.

• Consistent Scoring: Embry-Riddle added another run in the fifth inning when Sulusi grounded out to shortstop, allowing Kayli Clark to score. The Eagles sealed their victory with three more runs in the seventh inning, highlighted by a double from Sulusi and a sacrifice fly from Bayless.

• Nelson University-Arizona's Response: Nelson University-Arizona managed to score four runs in the sixth inning, with D. Medina's two-RBI single and E. Rojas' RBI single. However, their efforts were not enough to overcome the Eagles' lead.

Key Performances:

• Brink: The Eagles' starting pitcher, Brink, delivered a stellar performance, pitching 6.1 innings, allowing only four hits, and striking out five batters. Brink's control on the mound was crucial in maintaining the Eagles' lead.

• Salas: Salas was a standout at the plate, going 2-for-3 with a double and an RBI. Her timely hits were instrumental in the Eagles' scoring rallies.

• Graham: Graham contributed significantly with a 2-for-4 performance, driving in two runs and stealing a base. Her clutch hitting in the third inning set the tone for the Eagles' offense.

• Sulusi: Sulusi's presence was felt both offensively and defensively. He went 1-for-3 with a double, two RBIs, and was hit by a pitch. Her defensive plays at third base were also pivotal in the Eagles' victory.

Game 2

• Early Lead: The Eagles took an early lead in the first inning with a two-out rally. Salas and Sulusi both singled, setting the stage for Bayless, who doubled to right field, driving in Salas for the first run of the game.

• Pitching Duel: Both teams' pitchers kept the game tight through the middle innings. Embry-Riddle's Claire Streeter showcased excellent control, striking out six batters and allowing only one earned run over seven innings.

• Late-Inning Surge: The Eagles broke the game open in the seventh inning, scoring six runs. Key hits included a two-RBI single by Katie Jamieson and a bases-loaded walk by Bayless. Graham was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded, adding another run.

• Defensive Efforts: Despite committing three errors, the Eagles' defense turned crucial double plays to limit Nelson University-Arizona's scoring opportunities.

Key Performances:

• Salas: Salas had a standout game, going 3-for-3 with a double, a home run, and an RBI. Her offensive contributions were pivotal in the Eagles' victory.

• Streeter: Streeter pitched a complete game, allowing three runs (one earned) on 11 hits, striking out six, and walking only one. Her resilience on the mound kept the Eagles in control throughout the game.

• Jamieson: Jamieson was clutch at the plate, going 2-for-3 with two RBIs. Her timely hitting in the seventh inning helped seal the win for the Eagles.

• Bayless: Bayless contributed with a 1-for-3 performance, including a double and two RBIs. Her early double set the tone for the Eagles' offense.

Embry-Riddle will head to Tucson next to play in the Tucson Invitational Games with the first game on Sunday at 11am against Madonna University.