California Baptist University
Simpson University (Calif.)
LOWERING THE BOOM
2/21/2009 8:00:00 AM | Softball
RIVERSIDE, Calif. ? Nikki Lowe went 5-for-7 with a two-run home run and five runs scored to lead California Baptist University to the Ringor SoCal Smash championship Saturday.
The Lancers (10-0) run ruled No. 21 Cal State San Marcos, 10-1, and beat Simpson for the third straight day with a 5-0 win in the title game.
The Lancers drilled three home runs in the win over Cal State San Marcos. Ashley Boyd hit her fifth of the year, Lowe hit her fourth and Erin Moore hit her first of the year.
CBU trailed 1-0 after the top of the first but answered when Shoemaker drew a bases loaded walk and Cabrales singled with the bases loaded to give the lead back to the Lancers at 2-1. In the third inning, Nicole Shoemaker ripped a two-out single down the left field line and Nina Cabrales walked before Tina Galinato doubled to left to score both Shoemaker and Cabrales.
The Lancers broke out the bats in the fourth when Boyd and Moore both ripped two-run shots to center field to give CBU an 8-1 lead. Lowe ended the game with a two-run home run in the sixth to notch CBU's seventh run rule of the year.
Tory Ferreira (3-0) picked up the win, throwing the final four innings. She struck out three and allowed just three hits. Kendall Gorham got the start and threw the first two innings, allowing one run on three hits while striking out two.
In the championship game, CBU scored a run in each of the first four innings and added another insurance run in the sixth.
Lowe scored the first run of the game on a Moore single to right before Galinato scored on a throwing error by the Red Hawks catcher when Galinato stole third in the bottom of the second. Lowe scored the third run for CBU when Sarah Strong singled up the middle. Briana Corral put CBU up 4-0 when she singled to drive home Sarah Hurlbut.
Moore drove in the final run of the game when she hit a sac fly to right to score Corral from third in the sixth.
Melanie Ahumada (4-0) remained undefeated after throwing the first six innings, allowing just four hits while fanning four. Emma Holden tossed the final inning, allowing two hits and striking out one.
CBU will now get set to open Golden State Athletic Conference play when they host Hope International, Wednesday, for a 1:30 p.m. doubleheader.
