REDLANDS, Calif. – The University of Redlands Softball team returned to the field Saturday morning to start a four-game weekend with a non-conference doubleheader against No. 22 Brandeis University.
The Bulldogs managed to overcome an early two-run deficit to get the win in game one, 5-2, but only scored one run in the second game as they lost 2-1, splitting the series. Redlands improves to 6-3, 3-0 SCIAC, while Brandeis drops to 6-2.
Game 1 (W, 5-2)
The Bulldogs put themselves in an early hole when the Judges hit a two-run shot to left field coming with two outs in the top half of the first. Redlands was able to get one of those runs back when Kalyn Kershner (Ewa Beach, HI) scored on a passed ball in their at-bats. She had reached earlier on a dropped third strike allowing her to get to first. She then moved over to second on a walk before stealing third and then coming in to score.
The scored remained 2-1 until the bottom of the fourth when the Bulldogs erupted for four runs on three hits, while using a costly error by the Judges to go in front 5-2. Alexis Campos (Lake Forest, CA) gave the Bulldogs the lead with a two-run double down the left field line that scored Tyesen Gordon (Lathrop, CA) and Sierra Daley (Torrance, CA), who both reached on a single and a double, respectively. Kayla Rivas (Whittier, CA) added an insurance run with a sacrifice fly that scored Paige Messenlehner (Fresno, CA) and the fifth and final run came across later in the inning thanks to a fielding error by Brandeis.
After allowing the two runs in the first, Danielle Stallings (Rancho Santa Margarita, CA) settled down and threw a complete game with seven strikeouts as she moved to 4-1 on the season.
At the plate the Bulldogs only managed four hits, but two of those were for extra bases and two of the five runs that came across were from a double. Gordon was the only Bulldog to reach base twice as she went 1-for-2 with a run scored and a walk. The other three players with a hit were Daley (1-for-3, Run), Campos (1-for-3, two RBIs, Run), and Rivas (1-for-2, RBI). Kershner and Gordon also had steals.
Game 2 (L, 2-1)
In game two it was a pitcher's duel, with neither team scoring in the first four innings. The Bulldogs' starter was Kershner who went 4.2 scoreless innings until a shallow fly ball to left field in the 5th between shortstop Collette Allen (Sierra Madre, CA) and left fielder Brooks McVicker (Fort Collins, CO) allowed the breakthrough run to score for the Judges. They kept the momentum with the next batter singling to center, which drove in the eventual game-winning run.
After being held scoreless with only one hit through six innings, Gordon laced a line-drive home run to center to lead off the bottom of the seventh, which cut the deficit in half. Allen kept the line moving with a single to center and after a pop-up to the pitcher, Campos then drew a walk putting a runner into scoring position. But after two back-and-forth at-bats from Rivas and Alexa Yarbro (Murrieta, CA) the Judges were able to escape, and split the two-game series 1-1.
Despite the two-run fifth for Kershner, she threw a complete game with only four hits, all singles, and one walk and she needed only 79 pitches for her seven-inning start. She drops to 0-2 on the season.
Gordon (1-for-3 with a solo home run) and Allen (2-for-3 with a stolen base) were the only two Bulldogs to get hits. Kershner and Campos also reached via walks.
Redlands has a short turnaround as they return to the diamond tomorrow, Sunday, February 27 with another non-conference doubleheader with Bridgewater University (VA). Games slated to start at 12:00pm and 2:00pm.