COSTA MESA, Calif. – Nearly three weeks after the eighth ranked Lions (5-3) hosted the University of Saint Katherine (2-12) for a double header that was very different in both games. Similar to the first matchup, the Blue and Gold cruised before having to come from behind in the second contest.
What Happened? It took a while for the bats to get going, but Vanguard struck first in the bottom of the third inning. They put up two runs on a wild pitch and a sacrifice RBI. During the next inning, the Pride added another tally off a single from Taylor Radtke (SR/Tucson, AZ). Although it wasn't needed, the Lions scored via a throwing error by the Firebirds. Vastly different than its predecessor, no runs rung up the scoreboard until the top of the fourth inning, taking advantage of four base hits during the frame. With the offense still sputtering, USK blasted a three-run shot over the left field fence to take a commanding 5-0 lead. Down to their final three outs, and trailing by four runs, Vanguard needed a miracle. The initial prayers were answered by a leadoff triple by Bianca Morales (FR/Spring Valley, CA), who was brought home by Radtke. Johanna Lewis (SR/Madera, CA) doubled to left field which brought the score to 5-4 favoring the Firebirds. In an ending for the ages, the Lions won as two runs scored on a wild pitch – the first thrown by the newest relief pitcher.
Why It's Important? The Lions were on the verge of once falling back to .500 but instead move to 18-1 all-time against the Firebirds. There are only two non-conference series left for the Blue and Gold before they turn their attention to the 24-game conference slate against William Jessup, San Diego Christian, and Hope International.
Notable Performers: In the first game, Radtke went 2-3 in the box while adding a run and an RBI while Vanessa Dwyer (SR/Temple City, CA) (4-3) tossed a two-hit complete game along with four strikeouts. The same duo led the Pride to victory in the nightcap as Radtke posted the exact same stat line and Dwyer earned another win for her two innings of relief pitching.
What They Said: Johanna Lewis – "I feel like we were struggling all game, we weren't hitting the ball and we all got together and played as a team and played for each other. I think that's why we won because we played for each other on the field."
What's Next? Tuesday, March 2nd against Simpson University at 12:00 p.m.
#ClawsUp
