REDLANDS, Calif. – The University of Redlands Softball team saw their five-game winning streak come to an end Sunday at the "Field of Dreams" dropping a doubleheader with Whitworth University 4-1 and 3-0.
After taking the three-game series with Pomona-Pitzer the Maroon and Grey now drop to 5-2, 3-0 SCIAC.
Game 1 (L, 4-1)
The Bulldogs provided the offense in the first game totaling 10 hits, but brought in only one run to show for it. The Pirates struck first in the 3rd Inning off the bat of Gentner who sent a solo shot to deep center. Then in the 4th Whitworth tacked on another three runs on three hits this time getting after Kassidy Long (Hemet, CA) who came in relief of Danielle Stallings (Rancho Santa Margarita, CA) who left due to an injury.
UR had a chance in the bottom of the inning with back to back singles from Natalie Horton (Palmdale, CA) and Kalyn Kershner (Ewa Beach, HI), but couldn't bring them around as a base running miscue would stop the rally in its tracks. In the 5th, Redlands had their best look to get on the scoreboard earning a pair of singles from Paige Messenlehner (Fresno, CA) and Annabelle Gutierrez (Gilroy, CA) along with a walk to Alexis Campos (Lake Forest, CA). But all three would get stranded as a pair of pop-ups, and a force out at home would end the threat.
In the 6th, Tyesen Gordon (Lathrop, CA) provided a spark for the offense connecting for a solo shot to deep right center that made it a three run deficit. Collette Allen (Sierra Madre, CA) and Messenlehner followed with back-to-back hits that put two runners on, but again they would get left stranded as a pair of flyouts would end the rally.
Despite throwing only 3.0 Innings, Stallings was charged with the loss after giving up that one run on four hits, while striking out four. Kershner finished 2-for-4, Gordon was 2-for-3 with a run scored and an RBI, and Allen and Messenlehner would combine to go 4-for-6.
Game 2 (L, 3-0)
It was a quick second game of the doubleheader. Low scoring with a combined 13 hits, but Whitworth was able to capitalize with runners in scoring position, getting two runs in the 4th and another in the 7th as they came away with the sweep. The first three innings were scoreless, but UR had a chance to get on the scoreboard in the 2nd getting a pair of hits from Sierra Daley (Torrance, CA), a double to left and Gutierrez driving one through the left side. But just like the first game, both runners would get stranded after a fielder's choice and a pop out.
It was a big 4th Inning for Whitworth grabbing two runs on four hits, while stranding three. Kershner ran into trouble giving up four singles to the first six batters allowing the Pirates to go ahead. Redlands tried to get those runs back in the 5th with Allen driving one right up the middle followed by Gordon who reached on an error by the shortstop. But again they couldn't be brought around as Stallings would drive a deep fly ball to right that ended the rally.
A sacrifice fly by Whitworth would add an insurance run in the top half of the 7th. Then in the bottom half the Bulldogs would go 1-2-3 that ended the game and stopped any late comeback.
Allen finished a perfect 3-for-3, while Daley was 2-for-3 in her first start. UR finished with six hits and stranded eight. Kershner picked up the loss going 4.0 Innings giving up two runs on four hits with a strikeout.
Redlands has the week off before hosting a pair of doubleheaders next weekend. They begin with Brandeis on Saturday, February 26 (10am/12pm) and then take on Bridgewater (VA) on Sunday, February 27 (12pm/2pm).
