Biola softball took on St. Thomas, a non-conference opponent, Friday in a double header. Biola won the first game 2-0, but St Thomas rallied late in the second to steal a win from the Eagles.
Biola takes first game
St Thomas came out strong in the first game with a leadoff walk, but a crucial strike out on the 4th batter followed by an inning-ending grounder ended their hot start. In the second inning, Biola reached base due to sloppy infield play, and a clutch single by Jillian Storm, scoring two runners. At the end of the second, Biola had a 2-0 lead. Biola would cling to the lead as they raced to the finish, never allowing a St. Thomas run the rest of the game.
Biola starts out strong in second game
In the second game of the double header, St. Thomas struck first, scoring their first run of the day, thanks to a double with a runner already on first. St. Thomas threatened, however Biola’s defense tightened, as they threw out a possible second run with a successful play at the plate. Biola’s offense was quickly awakened by the St. Thomas rally. Chelsea Limm advanced to second on a throwing error with one out. Jillian Storm dropped a perfectly placed bunt to not only advance the runner to third, but also beat out the throw. She continued her aggressiveness as she swiped second base, before being driven in by Lauren Gandy.
In the top of the 7th, St. Thomas recognized the pressure to make a late push before the game ended. Sasha Horton ripped the ball into left field for a double, putting two runners on base at second and third. The next batter also doubled, sending a liner into center. The shot scored two runners, tying the game.
Game goes to nine innings
The Eagles were unable to score in the bottom half of the 7th, sending the game into extras. In the top of the 8th, the international tiebreaker rule came into play, placing a runner at second base to start each inning. St. Thomas threatened again, but clutch defense shut them down before they could gain momentum. With the momentum in favor of the Eagles, they quickly went on the attack. Limm advanced on a wild pitch, but then became too aggressive, trying to win the game on the next pitch. Storm walked, then stole second base. The next batter was called out for stepping out of the box on a swing, sapping the momentum.
Eagles load bases, but unable to score
In the top of the ninth, Sasha Horton doubled driving in the runner at second. The Eagles defense again shut them down for the rest of the inning. In the bottom of the ninth, Shaylynn Weststeyn doubled, putting runners at second and third. Kristin Larson walked on four pitches, setting up Celina Thornton with the bases loaded. She hit into a fielders choice to the pitcher, but kept the bases loaded. The next batter hit a grounder to short, but was called out for fielders interference, sending all runners back to their bases. Chelsea Limm could not get a clutch hit, leaving the bases loaded to end the game at 4-3.
