CEDAR CITY, Utah – The Southern Utah Softball opened WAC play against Stephen F. Austin on Friday with a 3-2 win. The Thunderbirds also took game two of the series, winning in a 1-0 walk-off.
Ariyana Miranda led the T-Birds at the plate with two hits, two RBIs, and one home run on the day. Laurie Cooke also picked up two hits and crossed the plate for SUU. The biggest hit of the day came off the bat of Arianna Ramirez, who crushed the game-winning home run in game two.
Sophomore Delany Baker earned the win in game one, pitching six innings, surrendering two runs on five hits, and striking out one. Senior Shelby Basso earned the save in game one, pitching one inning and striking out two. Freshman Emily Delgado pitched her second complete game shutout of the season to earn the win in game two.
Coach Don Don Williams Said
"We had a solid defensive performance, clutch pitching, and some well-timed hits. Our execution led us to an important doubleheader sweep to open conference play. We are very proud of the effort from the whole team today."
Game 1 Recap
The scoring began in the 1st inning when Southern Utah's Ariyana Miranda launched a homer, bringing in two runs as E. Gonzalez crossed the plate, putting Southern Utah ahead 2-0.
Stephen F. Austin fought back in the 5th inning when Galcatche singled and then advanced to second, bringing in Dubose for a run, narrowing the gap to 2-1.
In the 6th inning, SFA's Land hit a crucial double to left center, allowing Benson to score, tying the game at 2-2.
However, The Thunderbirds quickly responded in the bottom of the 6th inning when Emily Gonzalez reached base on a fielder's choice, driving in Karmyna Becerra, and giving Southern Utah a 3-2 lead.
Southern Utah's Shelby Basso came in to close out the game for the T-Birds and secured the save, resulting in the 3-2 victory.
Game 2 Recap
The second game of the series was a pitchers' duel. Both pitchers pitched complete games and held the other team scoreless until the bottom of the 7th inning.
Freshman Emily Delgado held the Lumberjacks to just two hits in the game. More impressive than that, Delgado struck out nine batters in the shutout.
With one out in the bottom of the seventh frame, Southern Utah's first baseman, Arianna Ramirez, stepped to the plate. The freshman from California delivered the winning run, crushing a home run over the left-field fence.
Next Up
The Thunderbirds will continue the series against SFA in an afternoon game on Saturday. First pitch is scheduled for 2:00 p.m. MT at Desert Hills High School.
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