TUSCALOOSA, Alabama — The Thunderbirds wrapped up the Easton Bama Bash with a tough battle against Drake University. The T-Birds scored first but were unable to hold back the Bulldogs, falling 3-1.
Southern Utah's offense struggled to make runs happen in the game, getting hits from Michaella Salvatierra, Laurie Cooke, and a pinch-hit by Riley Nielson. Ariyana Miranda collected the lone RBI for the T-Birds in the game, bringing her season total to nine.
Senior Keimon Winston was credited with the loss in a valiant effort in the circle. Winston pitched five innings, giving up three runs on seven hits and sitting down an impressive seven batters via the strikeout. Emily Delgado pitched one inning in relief, allowing one hit and striking out two.
Coach Don Don Williams Said
"Tough loss today with no offensive production."
Game Summary vs. Drake
The Thunderbirds struck first in the opening inning after freshman Michaella Salvatierra reached on an error, stole second, and eventually came home on a groundout by Ariyana Miranda. However, Drake responded quickly, capitalizing on a pair of walks and a clutch two-RBI single from Curry to take a 2-1 lead.
The Bulldogs added an insurance run in the third when Dighton ripped an RBI double down the left-field line, making it 3-1.
From there, both teams locked in defensively, struggling to generate offense against quality pitching. The Thunderbirds had a few chances, including a runner on third in the fourth and a stolen base in the seventh, but couldn't find the timely hit they needed.
Despite a strong relief outing from Emily Delgado, SUU couldn't break through, and Drake held on for the 3-1 win.
All-Tournament Team
Senior Keimon Winston and redshirt senior Ariyana Miranda were selected to the Easton Bama Bash All-Tournament Team for their incredible play this weekend. Winston, who pitched an outstanding 17 innings for the T-Birds this weekend, limited opposing offenses while keeping the team in striking distance. Winston posted 11 total strikeouts on the weekend. Keimon also fielded her position well, earning six assists on six total chances. Miranda collected four hits on the weekend, leading to four RBIs.
Miranda posted a fantastic .470 on-base percentage for the tournament. She fielded the hot corner well, tallying four putouts and two assists.
On Deck
Southern Utah will return to the west coast next weekend with a tournament at Fresno State University. The Thunderbirds will open the tournament against The University of California and CSU Bakersfield in a doubleheader on Friday, February 28, beginning at 11:00 a.m. MT. The T-Birds will return to the diamond the next day to take on the Roadrunners a second time before squaring off with the host from Fresno State. Southern Utah will wrap up the tournament with a second matchup against Cal on Sunday, March 2, at 10:30 a.m. MT.
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