Game 1 Box Score | Game 2 Box Score

SAN DIEGO, Calif. - Saint Mary's (10-23, 0-2 WCC) nearly took down the Toreros (23-16, 2-0 WCC) in the opening game of Saturday's doubleheader before falling in the bottom of the seventh on a walk-off base hit.

Game 1
San Diego 5, Saint Mary's 4

HOW IT HAPPENED
Trailing 1-0 and in the top of the fourth inning, the Gaels jumped ahead for the three-run lead, 4-1. After a single by Julia McCormack, Hannah Chew doubled to center field for the game-tying run. With runners on the corners, Abbey Mariani hit a single to bring in Chew for the 2-1 lead.

With two outs in the inning, Dylan Linton notched the Gaels' sixth hit of the inning to extend the lead, 3-1. Kimiko Zapanta reached base safely on an error by the shortstop to bring in Mariani for the fourth run.

San Diego tied the game, 4-4 in the bottom of the fourth inning. The Toreros played small ball with three hits in the frame. The Toreros walked off in the bottom of the seventh after a single up the middle by Katie Vretzos.

First year pitcher Eileen Perez went the distance, pitching 6.1 innings and striking out two batters. The freshman gave up just two earned runs and one extra base hit.

Game 2
San Diego 3, Saint Mary's 0

HOW IT HAPPENED
Saint Mary's collected five hits in the backend of the doubleheader but couldn't plate a run in the eventual 3-0 loss. Nikki Alexander and Linton each went 2-for-3 in the contest including a triple by Alexander. Hailey Sparacino picked up the other hit for the Gaels which was a double.

Katlyn Whitt picked up the tough-luck loss as she allowed just one earned run in six innings. The senior scattered eight hits while striking out one and walking two in the game.

San Diego scored a single run in three different frames which would prove enough for their starter Hannah Boos as she struck out four Gaels en route to her ninth win of the season.

QUICK FACTS

• Freshman Kimiko Zapanta leads the WCC with 29 stolen bases this year which is 14 more than any other player in the conference.
• Hailey Sparacino ranks among the conference's top-10 in slugging percentage at .495.

• The Gaels will finish the series at USD on Sunday, April 8 at 12 p.m. PDT.
• Live coverage links are available on the Gaels Softball schedule page.