NEWBERG, Ore. – The George Fox Bruins softball team lost both games of their doubleheader against the Whitworth Pirates, losing the first 4-2, and the second in the extra innings 5-4.
How It Happened – Game One
The Bruins fell behind early in the first game of the day, giving up runs in the first and second innings as they fell behind 2-0. Fox picked up just one hit through the first three innings, and the Pirates took advantage of the slow start, grabbing two more runs in the fourth and fifth innings to increase their lead to four.
Sharon Tomei got the Bruins on the board in the sixth inning with her tenth home run of the season, a two-run shot that cut the lead in half, 4-2. The Bruins got through the top of the seventh clean to have a shot at a comeback in their final at-bats, and they got close.
Makayla Noone doubled then stole third with two outs, then
Kamryn Potter walked to bring the winning run to the plate. The Pirates pitching was able to force a lineout, however, ending the game with two runners on base and Fox behind, 4-2.
How It Happened – Game Two
George Fox once again fell behind early, giving up two runs in the top of the first inning, however, this time they responded with a run of their own in the first inning on a sacrifice groundout by Potter to make the score 2-1 in favor of Whitworth after one inning.
In the second, the Bruins' bats got going, scoring three runs thanks to a two-run homer from
Nicole Campa and a sac-fly from Noone. The trio of runs gave the Bruins a 4-2 lead after two innings. Whitworth responded with a run in the top of the third, making the Bruins lead just one run.
After a clean fourth inning for both sides, the Pirates tied the game in the fifth inning, getting a run across the plate after a Bruins' error. The score would remain locked at four heading into the final inning, in which the Bruins put themselves in a position to score, but amazing defense from the Pirates forced the game into extra innings. In extras, the Pirates grabbed a run in the top of the eighth, putting Fox behind 5-4. The Bruins were unable to respond in the bottom of the eighth, ending the game with the second loss of the day for the Bruins.
Top Performances
Sharon Tomei went 2-3 with a two-run home run in game one,
Nicole Campa homered in the second game, and
Tinley Taylor picked up two hits in game two.
What It Means
With the losses the Bruins fall to 18-14 (11-9 NWC), and the Pirates move to 13-19 (9-11 NWC).
What Comes Next
The Bruins hit the road next weekend as they play the Linfield Wildcats in a Friday and Sunday series on April 26th. The first game on the 26th starts at 3:00 p.m. in McMinnville, Oregon.
