March 2, 2008

Box Score - Game One

Box Score - Game Two

Northridge, CA - The Saint Mary's softball team used a late spark in the first match-up against CS Northrdridge, as they defeated the Matadors 3-2. In the second game of the double-header the Gaels were unable to hold off the heavy bats of their opponent, as the run rule was enforced at the top of the fifth inning, as the Matadors clinched an 8-0 victory. The split marks the Gaels at 4-7 on the year, while CS Northridge now holds a 7-12 record.

It was not a promising sight for Saint Mary's in the first five innings of the day, as the Matadors posted to runs in the bottom of the first, and held a 2-0 advantage throughout the majority of the first game. Luckily for the Gaels Jenna Smith stepped up in the top of the sixth, slamming her fourth homerun of her career and the season, recording two runs for Saint Mary's. The sophomore brought senior Sandra Ruezga home, as the Gaels recorded their first two runs of the ball game.

With the game tied at two apiece going into the seventh, junior Lauren Clark hit a double to left center, which scored Megan Galloway and gave the Gaels a 3-2 lead. Galloway would go on to hold the Matadors off in the top of the seventh, as the right hander recorded her third win of the season.

In the second game of the day the Gaels were unable to control the Matador's bats, as CS Northridge posted five runs in the first inning alone. Molly Bergeson started in the circle for Saint Mary's, but was replaced by freshman Maryanne Cronin, two batters into the second inning. With Saint Mary's down 7-0, Cronin did her best to hold off the Matadors, giving up only one run in three innings pitched.

Offensively the Gaels struggled at the plate, recording only one hit in four innings of action.

Saint Mary's will face Holy Cross in their next outing of the 2008 season, with the double header scheduled for Tuesday, March 4 at 1:00 pm.