The Pioneer softball team fell 9-0 (box score) in game
one and then lost a tough 2-1 (box score) game two.
Kelly Vega held a no-hitter through five innings of game two.
In game one, the Pioneers logged six hits, getting at least two
runners aboard in three of the five innings, but they ended up
falling 9-0 to the Pirates. The Pioneers' best scoring
opportunity came in the fourth inning. Sheree Miura (junior,
Waipahu, Hawaii) singled up the middle to lead off. With one out,
Sarah DiSabatino (senior, Pleasanton, Calif.) singled down the left
field line. Kelly Vega (sophomore, Beaverton, Ore.) singled to
center to load the bases with just one out, but a strikeout and a
lineout to left field followed to leave the bases loaded.
The Pioneers plated their first run of the day in the second
inning of game two. Jessica Mullins (sophomore, Randle, Wash.)
reached on a fielding error, coming around to score from second
base later in the inning on a throwing error by the pitcher.
It looked like a 1-0 lead was all that game two pitcher Kelly Vega
was going to need. Backed with solid defense behind her, Vega
no-hit the Pirates through five complete innings to start the game.
In the sixth inning, Vega allowed a leadoff home run to break up
her no-hit and shutout bids. With the game tied 1-1, the Pioneers
got two quick outs. After walking a batter, Vega allowed two more
hits, one scoring the go-ahead run, giving the Pirates a 2-1
lead.
Kim Kittell (sophomore, Tillamook, Ore.) had a two out hit in the
top of the seventh to keep the Pioneers' hopes alive. A
well-struck ball by Jamie Moon (sophomore, Baker City, Ore.) was
run down by the Whitworth outfielder to end the Pioneer threat and
the game, with the Pirates walking away with a 2-1 victory.
Kelly Vega earned the hard-luck game two loss, allowing the two
runs on three hits. She walked one and struck out two.
Kim Kittell led the Pioneer hitters going 3-7 in the two games.
Sheree Miura went 2-2 in game one.
The Pioneers close out the Northwest Conference portion of their
schedule next weekend in Tacoma, Taking on Puget Sound and Pacific
Lutheran. Games on both days start at 12 noon.
