ATHERTON, Calif. -- A sweep for Vanguard softball Saturday against the Menlo College Oaks was exactly what the doctored order for the Lions, who broke a four-game losing skid. The Blue and Gold won two different contests, as VU smacked their way to a 12-4 win in game one before smartly pocketing game two 1-0. VU goes to 30-10 overall and 9-5 in the Golden State Athletic Conference, while Menlo falls to 13-25, 2-12.
What Happened? Four different Lions had multiple hits in game one, which opened with a five-run outburst in the top of the first.
Amarah Farley stroked a single to left to get the ball game started, and she quickly swiped second.
Kamryn Walker brought her around to score with a single that bounced right over second base and into center field, putting Vanguard ahead 1-0. Getting to third on a fly ball, Walker easily strolled home on a single by
Adriana Portillo to put the lead at 2-0.
Bianca Morales was the next batter and she clobbered a home run to double the advantage to 4-0.
Mia Hernandez followed that with a double and another double two batters later by
Lilyana Roth edge at 5-0.
Brianna Williams was the starter for the Lions, and she got in a little bit of trouble in the bottom of the first, as MC loaded up the bases and scored two runs. Menlo got some more win in their sails as the lead fell to 5-3 after a pair of singles in the bottom of the second. However, Williams did not have to worry, as there was more run support forthcoming from the Vanguard bats.
Roth took a walk to open the top of the fourth and she got to second on a ground out. A double by Farley sent Roth home to make the score 6-3, and a single by Walker pushed Farley across the plate to increase the lead to 7-3. Walker stole second and got to third on a lined single by
Noni Chaves. Portillo was up next and she punched a single through the right side of the infield to make it 8-3, as Walker trotted home. A towering double by Morales after that put the advantage at 10-3, as both Chaves and Portillo touched the plate.
The top of the sixth put VU above the mercy rule threshold, with Walker starting the frame off with a single. She stole second and a single through the left side of the infield by Morales put VU up 11-3.
Gaby Ramirez then shot a single to center to cash in Morales to extend the edge to 12-3.
A leadoff double by Menlo in the bottom of the sixth turned into a run thanks to two ground outs, but Williams and company soon got the third out to close out the 12-4 victory in six innings.
Vanguard scored 12 runs on 16 hits, had two errors, and left four runners on base. Menlo had four runs, five hits, one error, and five runners left aboard. Williams goes to 13-5 and got two strikeouts in the winning effort. Walker had a lovely 4-for-4 day from the dish, including two RBI. Morales led VU with five RBI and went 3-4 in game one. Portillo and Farley each had two hits, with Portillo picking up two RBI, while Farley had one.
Game 2
After such a barrage of runs, it was a little surprising to then see the teams duke it out from the circle, but the Lions were up to the task and the squad was technically sound in the 1-0 win.
Vanessa Robles picked up three Ks and gave up four hits in seven innings, while the defense did not commit any errors to hold Menlo at bay. MC had only one real scoring chance in the bottom of the fifth, as the home side got a leadoff double. The MC runner got to third with two outs but Robles got a fly out after that to end the danger.
The Lions also had only four hits in the game but got the biggest one of the day in the top of the fourth. Walker led off with a double that thudded off the fence in center field and Chaves lined a double of her own to center to change places with her, putting VU up 1-0.
Chaves finished the contest 2-for-3, as she got another double in the top of the sixth. A leadoff single by Farley int he top of the first was the other VU hit..
Why is it Important? Jessup swept Hope International today to put JU in the top spot of the conference. It slightly help the Lions, who are now in second and still have HIU on the road left on the schedule. The Lions got to 32-9 all-time against MC.
What's Next? VU will play at Cal State San Marcos on Tuesday at 1:00 p.m.
