BAKERSFIELD, Calif. — Just one day removed from winning a pair of nail biters against Montana (3-10) and Cal State Bakersfield (2-9) on day one of the Welter Classic, the Gaels (9-5) dominated on day two, defeating the Grizzlies 8-1 and the Roadrunners 9-0 in five for their first run rule victory of the Spring. The Gaels never trailed in the tournament, going 4-0 on the weekend, matching their longest winning streak from a season ago.
GAME ONE: SMC 8 - Montana 1
Just like yesterday, the Gaels jumped out to an early 4-0 lead in the fourth, but unlike yesterday, Saint Mary's kept their pedal to the metal, so as to not allow the Grizzlies to get back into contention. The Gaels plated all eight runs in the first four innings, with Marissa Montelongo scoring three of them. Avrey Wolverton took a no-hitter into the third inning before surrendering a two out single in that frame. She surrendered her lone run in the fourth, and allowed just three hits in the complete game victory. At the time, the eight runs tied the Gaels highest output on the season.
DEJA VU
As was the case 24 hours prior, Saint Mary's struck for four in the first inning against Montana. Hannah Ferguson led things off with a bunt single, that netted her two bags after an errant throw to first. She then stole third. Marissa Montelongo walked, and promptly stole second, bringing Jenavee Amador, batting in the three spot for the first time this season, to the plate. Amador battled to a full count before grounding out to short, scoring Ferguson and advancing Montelongo to third. Sam Buckley reached on a bunt, but Montelongo was unable to score. Buckley swiped second and Tori Cervantes doubled Montelongo home. With two away, freshman Alex Cutonilli, now firmly slated to be the Gaels every day DP, poked a single to left, that scored both Cervantes and Buckley. The four runs would prove to be enough to carry the Gaels to victory, despite their ability to tack on four more in the remainder of game one.
FIRST CG OF 2024 FOR WOLVERTON
Avrey Wolverton went the distance for the first this year, surrendering just one run on three hits in the W. After struggling against Montana and taking the no decision in yesterday's victory, The redshirt sophomore redeemed herself, keeping the Grizzlies' bats quiet all day. With the win, Wolverton moved to 2-0 on the year and 9-7 for her career, bringing her career ERA back below 2.50 (2.47).
GAME TWO: SMC 9 - Bakersfield 0 (5 innings)
The Gaels notched their first run rule victory of 2024, completely dominating the host Roadrunners in the five inning win. The Gaels were gifted nine base runners either via the walk or hit by pitch to go along with their six hits, and were able to turn those base runners into a season best nine runs. Odhi Vasquez was yet again brilliant in the circle. The sophomore notched her second one hit complete game shutout of the season, having surrendered one or fewer earned runs in five of her seven outings.
EVERYONE INVOLVED
Every single spot in the Gaels lineup recorded either a hit, a run or both in this one. Leading the way in this one was
Hannah Ferguson at the top of the order, scoring twice and reaching once via a hit and once via a walk. Ferguson was a softball coach's dream at the top of the order this weekend, going 8-for-14 at the plate, while also reaching once from a walk, scoring four times, and stealing six bags over the four game tournament.
VASQUEZ FINDS HER STRIDE
With her complete game shutout victory today, Odhi Vasquez has looked like an all conference pitcher over her last three appearances. Over her last three appearances, The Upland, California native has worked 16 innings, surrendering just one run on seven hits. With Vasquez, Wolverton and Mia Nishikawa all firing at all cylinders, the Gaels are going to be a tough team to beat this season.
UP NEXT
The Gaels will get to play in front of their home fans next weekend, as they will host Marist for a three game set starting March 1.
#GaelsRise
