The University of Redlands softball team kicked off the 2010
season with a non-conference doubleheader against NAIA opponent
Azusa Pacific University on Thursday evening in Azusa. After giving
up a 2-3 loss in extra innings during the opener, the Bulldogs
prevailed by a solid score of 9-4 in the nightcap.
The Maroon and Gray initiated the scoring in the first game when
freshman left fielder Sarah Beeman (Corona, CA) singled to center
field for an RBI. She brought home junior first baseman Lizett
Casillas (Pomona, CA), who reached first on an error and then
advanced to second on a passed ball.
Beeman continued to shine in her collegiate debut, connecting on a
single to left field for her second RBI of the game. Senior catcher
Nicky Neumann (Fremont, CA) scored the run after singling to left
field and advancing on a ground-out and a wild pitch.
However, the Cougars stormed back in the bottom of the seventh, as
two runs crossed the plate to send the game into an eighth.
Using the International Tiebreaker that places the previous batter
on second base, Azusa Pacific capitalized with well-placed bunts to
score the winning run.
Senior pitcher Olivia Ellis (Colfax, CA) took the loss from the
mound, throwing a complete game with only one earned run.
Beeman boasted a 3-for-4 performance at the plate that included
both of the team’s RBI.
The second game saw a different lineup for the Bulldogs, who gained
an impressive 9-4 victory with 10 hits.
Redlands faced a two-run deficit going into the fifth inning but
quickly responded with a five-run explosion to take the lead for
good. This output was highlighted by a two-RBI triple form freshman
shortstop Kirsten Milliner (Torrance, CA) and a two-RBI home run
from Neumann. Beeman also supplied a scoring sacrifice fly.
The Maroon and Gray gained an insurance run in the fourth and then
added three more in the seventh, which included a two-RBI double
from junior first baseman Stacey Burke (Glendora, CA).
Six different Bulldogs posted hits in the nightcap, with Milliner
providing three of them with two RBI and two runs scored.
Senior pitcher Amanda Doeppel (Monrovia, CA) garnered the win from
the mound in four innings of work. Sophomore pitcher Breanna Ruelas
(Brawley, CA) finished out the game for the Bulldogs.
Redlands (1-1) heads to Cal State San Marcos on Saturday for a
non-conference doubleheader at 12 noon.