Embry-Riddle split their games on the first day of the Tucson Invitational Games as the Eagles lost to #6 Madonna 6-2 and then beat RV St. Francis 9-6 at Lincoln Park in Tucson on Sunday.
Game 1
The game started with both teams showing strong defensive plays. Embry-Riddle's pitcher, Claire Streeter, managed to keep Madonna scoreless in the first two innings. However, the Crusaders broke through in the third inning, scoring two runs. They continued to build their lead with two more runs in both the fourth and fifth innings, bringing the score to 6-0.
Embry-Riddle struggled to find their rhythm offensively, with Madonna's pitcher, Oyer, delivering a stellar performance. The Eagles were held hit less until the seventh inning when they finally managed to get on the scoreboard. Emma Almodoba hit a double to right field, followed by a two-run homer from Kealey Myhre, bringing the final score to 6-2.
Despite the loss, there were some standout performances from the Eagles. Myhre not only hit a home run but also showed great patience at the plate, drawing a walk earlier in the game. Almodoba's double was another highlight, showcasing the team's potential to rally late in the game.
On the defensive side, Lily Anderson was solid behind the plate, recording eight putouts and handling three stolen base attempts. The infield also turned a crucial double play in the third inning, thanks to quick reflexes from Jade Bayless at first base.
Embry-Riddle's pitching staff had a challenging day, with Streeter and Vanessa Brink combining for seven strikeouts but allowing 13 hits. Streeter took the loss, bringing her record to 2-2 for the season.
Game 2
The Eagles came out swinging, scoring two runs in the first inning. Myhre led off with a walk and later scored on a bases-loaded walk by Almodoba. Camille Graham also drew a walk with the bases loaded, bringing in another run.
Embry-Riddle continued to dominate at the plate, adding three more runs in the third inning. Leah Salas hit a solo home run, followed by a triple from Bayless that brought in Autumn Sulusi. Almodoba's sacrifice fly scored Bayless, extending the lead to 5-0.
The Eagles didn't stop there, scoring two more runs in the fourth inning with back-to-back home runs from Myhre and Salas. They added another two runs in the sixth inning, thanks to a single by Arianna Garcia and a sacrifice fly by Graham.
St. Francis attempted a comeback, scoring two runs in the sixth and four runs in the seventh, but it wasn't enough to overcome the Eagles' lead. Embry-Riddle's pitching staff, led by Brink, held strong despite the late surge from the Fighting Saints.
Key Performances:
- L. Salas: 4-5, 2 HR, 2 RBI, 3 R
- A. Sulusi: 5-5, 3 R
- J. Bayless: 2-3, 1 3B, 1 RBI, 1 R, 2 BB
- K. Myhre: 1-4, 1 HR, 1 RBI, 1 R, 1 BB
- A. Garcia: 1-1, 1 RBI
- C. Graham: 0-2, 2 RBI, 1 BB, 1 SF
- V. Brink: 5.2 IP, 3 H, 0 ER, 4 K, Win (4-0)
Embry-Riddle will continue play in Tucson on Monday with two games. The first begins at 9am against La Sierra.
