California Baptist University
Belhaven University (Miss.)
STREAK IN TACT
2/16/2008 8:00:00 AM | Softball
RIVERSIDE, Calif. ? The train is starting to build some steam as California Baptist continues to look stronger and stronger after a pair of wins (4-1, 5-2) against a Belhaven team who had defeated No. 10 Vanguard the previous day.
“I don't care that Belhaven didn't start the year in the top 25, but there is no doubt that they should be there,” said CBU head coach Mike Smith. “I am going to petition for them. That's just a good team right there. They have good hitting and good pitching. They did well against the GSAC teams this week.”
The Lancers (11-1) got behind its work horses in the circle as the NAIA's top leaders in wins, Amy Thomas (6-1) and Melanie Ahumada (5-0), both tossed complete games. Thomas threw the opener allowing just one run on four hits and struck out eight while walking just two. Ahumada allowed just two earned runs on six hits and walked just one.
“Melanie has such great composure,” said Smith. “She has been a blessing to this program. She wants the ball when the game is on the line and we gave her that opportunity today. We also know what to expect out of Amy and she's proven how tough she is.”
Kelly Maconachy was a perfect 3-for-3 in the opener and scored three of the Lancers four runs. Erin Moore went 2-for-3 with a solo home run and three RBIs. Sara Goforth went 2-for-4 with an RBI.
CBU trailed 1-0 in the second inning, but Moore's home run in the second tied the game and before CBU took a 2-1 lead in the third. The Lancers added a run each in the fifth and sixth innings to close it out.
In the nightcap, Karina Slauenwhite's bases loaded, two-out single off the center field wall in the bottom of the sixth sparked a four-run inning by California Baptist. After Nikki Lowe walked and Moore singled, the Blazers got back-to-back outs before walking Caty Reeves to load the bases. Slauenwhite then came in to pinch hit for Allison Dennis. She ripped a shot to right center to score both Lowe and Weber, who ran for Moore. CBU added two more insurance runs to grab the win in the sixth before Ahumada closed it out in the top of the seventh.
“Karina was our best pinch hitter last year,” said Smith. “She came up with a couple of home runs and some doubles last year. We were struggling with their (Belhaven) pitcher's changeups and I thought Karina had the best chance. She came up big.”
Maconachy, Nicole Shoemaker and Goforth drove in the other runs for CBU.
The Lancers will now get ready for the Ringor SoCal Smash hosted at John C. Funk Stadium Feb. 21-13.
