Embry-Riddle celebrated their five seniors and earned the four game sweep over Park Gilbert on Wednesday at Eagle Softball Field winning the first game of the day 12-4 in six innings followed by a walk-off single by
Anise Romo to win the second game 8-7.
Game 1
The Eagles set the tone early, scoring two runs in the first inning. Autumn Sulusi hit a powerful home run to right field, driving in Leah Salas and giving Embry-Riddle a 2-0 lead.
Embry-Riddle's offensive onslaught continued in the second inning. Lily Anderson hit a two-run homer to left field, followed by Sulusi and Katie Jamieson contributing RBI singles. The Eagles added five runs, extending their lead to 7-0. Despite a brief rally by Park-Gilbert in the third inning, where they scored four runs, the Eagles maintained their dominance.
Salas was a standout performer, going 3-for-4 with three doubles and scoring three runs. Sulusi was equally impressive, driving in five runs with four hits, including a home run. Jade Bayless added a two-run homer in the fifth inning, further solidifying the Eagles' lead.
On the mound, Vanessa Brink delivered a solid performance, pitching a complete game with five strikeouts and allowing only four earned runs. Brink also got her second hit of her collegiate career, a single to right field.
Game 2
The Eagles started strong, scoring four runs in the first inning. Sulusi delivered a clutch double to left field, driving in three runs and setting the tone for the game. Jamieson followed with an RBI single, extending the lead to 4-1.
Embry-Riddle maintained their momentum in the second inning with Salas hitting a solo home run to center field. Despite the Buccaneers' efforts to close the gap, the Eagles' defense held firm, with Claire Streeter pitching effectively and recording key outs.
The Buccaneers mounted a comeback in the fifth inning, scoring four runs to tie the game at 6-6.
Jade Bayless hit a solo home run in the fifth inning, providing a crucial insurance run. The Buccaneers managed to tie the game in the top of the 6th inning at 7-7, but Romo provided a single with the bases loaded to give ERAU the win. Brink earned her second win of the day as she came in and pitched a clean top of the 7th inning for the Eagles.
Embry-Riddle will be the #2 seed for the upcoming GSAC Conference Tournament hosted at Eagle Softball Field. ERAU will play Arizona Christian on Tuesday at 12pm.
