SAN DIEGO, California – The Southern Utah Softball finished the weekend at the Torero Classic with a win Sunday morning. The Thunderbirds shut down Eastern Illinois 5-0 to earn a dominant win.
The T-Birds were led at the plate by Ariyana Miranda, who racked up three hits, including a big-time home run. Miranda also picked up two RBIs in the game. Catcher Bella Garcia picked up two hits in the game as well.
In the circle, it was a combined effort to shut out the Panthers. Delaney Baker got the start, pitching 2.1 innings and giving up just two hits while striking out one. Keimon Winston got the win in the game, pitching 4.2 no-hit innings. Winston had it working today, striking out seven batters to finish the game.
Coach Don Don Williams Said
"It was a solid day at the plate. Ari Miranda had a clutch day at the plate with her RBI production."
"The pitching staff did a great job of commanding the zone and limiting hits."
Game Recap
Southern Utah wasted no time igniting the scoreboard, with Karmyna Becerra's lightning-fast dash home off a stolen base attempt in the first inning setting the pace for the game. A fielding error paved the way for Southern Utah's Ariyana Miranda to cross the plate, securing a 2-0 lead by the end of the opening frame.
Southern Utah's offense continued to electrify the field in the second inning, as Miranda unleashed a mighty homer down the left field line, driving in two more runs and extending the Thunderbirds' lead to an impressive 4-0. Despite EIU's efforts to rally, Southern Utah's defense held firm, denying any opportunities for their opponents to score. The Thunderbirds sealed their triumph in the seventh inning when Capri Franzen blasted a towering home run to center field, solidifying their commanding 5-0 lead and clinching the victory.
With this commanding performance, Southern Utah earned its second shutout victory of the season. The Thunderbirds finished the tournament 2-3 and moved to 6-4 in the 2024 campaign.
Next Up
The Thunderbirds will play a little closer to home next week, competing in the UNLV Rebel Classic. The tournament will feature games against Santa Clara University, the University of Tulsa, and the host Rebels of UNLV. The Thunderbirds will kick off the tournament against Santa Clara on Friday, February 23, at 11:00 a.m. MT, and following that game, will confront Tulsa in the afternoon tilt.
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