Embry-Riddle swept Arizona Christian on Saturday winning 8-0 in the first game and taking the second 4-2 to win the series over the Firestorm 3-1 at ACU Softball Field.
Game 1
The Opening Act:
The game began with a burst of energy from Embry-Riddle. As the first inning unfolded, Lily Anderson stepped up to the plate with confidence. She drew a walk, setting the stage for what was to come. Leah Salas followed suit, also earning a walk, and the Eagles were in prime position. Kealey Myhre laid down a perfect sacrifice bunt, advancing both runners. The tension was palpable as Autumn Sulusi approached the batter's box. With a powerful swing, she sent the ball soaring to right field for a double, driving in two runs. The crowd erupted in cheers as Anderson and Salas crossed home plate. A fielding error by Arizona Christian allowed another run to score, giving Embry-Riddle a commanding 3-0 lead.
Building Momentum:
The Eagles maintained their momentum throughout the game. In the fourth inning, Anderson led off with a ground-rule double to left field. Salas walked, putting runners on first and second. Myhre flied out to right field, advancing Anderson to third. Sulusi then hit a sacrifice fly to center field, bringing Anderson home and extending the lead to 4-0.
The Turning Point:
The fifth inning was a showcase of Embry-Riddle's offensive prowess. Arianna Garcia doubled to left field, and Kayli Clark singled to center, putting runners on the corners. Anderson, already having a stellar game, stepped up and delivered a three-run homer down the left field line. The ball sailed over the fence, and the Eagles' dugout erupted in celebration. Anderson's home run brought the score to 7-0, solidifying Embry-Riddle's dominance.
Sealing the Victory:
In the sixth inning, Jade Bayless doubled to right center, and Garcia singled to center field, driving in Bayless for the final run of the game. The Eagles' defense held strong, with Vanessa Brink pitching a complete game shutout. Brink's performance was nothing short of masterful, allowing only two hits and one walk while striking out eight batters over six innings. Her control and dominance kept Arizona Christian's hitters at bay, ensuring the Eagles' victory.
Game 2
Mid-Game Action:
The third inning saw Arizona Christian take the lead. T. Fogleman walked, and R. Martin singled to shortstop, advancing Fogleman to second. A passed ball allowed Fogleman to score, and a hit-by-pitch with bases loaded brought in another run, giving Arizona Christian a 2-0 lead.
Embry-Riddle answered back in the fourth inning. Salas walked, and Myhre was hit by a pitch, putting runners on first and second. Sulusi then doubled to left field, driving in Salas. Bayless followed with a sacrifice fly, bringing Myhre home and tying the game at 2-2.
Pitching Duel:
Both teams' pitchers showcased their skills throughout the game. Embry-Riddle's Claire Streeter pitched five strong innings, allowing only two runs on four hits while striking out six batters. Brink took over in the sixth inning, delivering three scoreless innings and securing the win.
Extra Innings Drama:
The game remained tied until the eighth inning. Embry-Riddle's Myhre was placed on second base, and Jewel Wilfong pinch ran for her. Sulusi singled to center field, advancing Wilfong to third. With two outs, Garcia delivered a clutch single to center field, driving in both Wilfong and Sulusi, giving the Eagles a 4-2 lead.
Embry-Riddle's defense held strong in the bottom of the eighth, with Brink inducing a double play to end the game and secure the victory.
Embry-RIddle will play home again on April 22nd against the Buccaneers of Park-Gilbert.
