California Baptist University
Hope International University (Calif.)
THAT SWEEPING FEELING
2/25/2009 8:00:00 AM | Softball
RIVERSIDE, Calif. ? The title defense began today for California Baptist University with the five-time Golden State Athletic Conference champions scoring a pair of run-rules over Hope International, 12-3 and 13-0.
The Lancers (12-0, 2-0 GSAC) scored 25 runs on 24 hits while holding the Royals (4-6, 0-2 GSAC) to just seven hits all day.
“We talked about facing a different style of pitching than what we have been use to this year,” said CBU head coach Mike Smith. “We made the adjustments and swung the bats well today. Our starters did a good job and then our reserves were right behind them. It's nice to start off conference play with two wins.”
Nicole Shoemaker and Sarah Strong led for CBU as Shoemaker went 3-for-5 on the day with five RBIs and two runs scored while Strong went 3-for-3 with a pair of RBIs and three runs scored.
In the opener, 10 different Lancers pounded out a hit with Shoemaker and Strong each going 2-for-2. The Lancers jumped out in front quickly, scoring eight runs in the first two innings. The first two runs came off of an Erin Moore double that drove home Ashley Boyd and Nikki Lowe before Shoemaker singled to right field to score Strong.
CBU added five more in the fifth when Moore hit a sac fly to score Sarah Hurlbut before Strong singled home Boyd and Briana Corral. Shoemaker drove in the final two runs with a two-run home run to left field.
The Lancers added four more runs in the fourth with three of them coming off of Caty Reeves' first home run of the year. The sophomore went opposite field off the scoreboard to put CBU up 11-0. Allison Smith scored the final run on a ground out by Katie Miller.
“Caty is coming off the bench and just wanted to get an opportunity and hit that towering shot off the scoreboard,” said Smith. “That was a great pinch hit and that has to give her some confidence going into the rest of the season.”
Melanie Ahumada (5-0) picked up the win, going the first four innings. She allowed just one run on four hits and struck out six. Kendall Gorham threw the final inning, allowing two runs on one hit and struck out two.
Megan Silva was a perfect 2-for-2 with two RBIs and two runs scored in the nightcap while Moore and Gorham were each 2-for-3. Gorham along with Shoemaker and Karina Slauenwhite each drove in a pair of runs.
CBU scored at least one run in each inning with four in the first, two in the second, one in the third and six in the fourth.
“Normally in a conference game, you don't get to play everyone so it was nice to see what players can do in certain situations,” said Smith. “I am definitely pleased of where we are right now and we're just ready for this weekend and those big conference games that are coming up in the next couple of weeks.”
Tory Ferreira (4-0) picked up the win, going the first four innings allowing just two hits before Emma Holden closed it out striking out all three batters she faced in the fifth.
