Northwest University splits two doubleheaders | Prep women’s softball
Published 3:22 pm Monday, March 23, 2015
Northwest University (NU)a split a doubleheader with the College or Idaho on Friday and then with Eastern Oregon on Saturday to finish the weekend 2-2.
Eastern Oregon’s Lindsey Walchli threw a four hitter as EOU shut out NU, 2-0, in the first game. NU came from behind in the second game for a 5-4 Cascade Conference victory. The Eagles improve to 7-9 for the season, 3-5 in CCC play.
Game 1 – The EO pitcher was tough to hit during the first game, as she scattered the Eagles four hits as NU left five runners stranded on base.
NU had an opportunity to score some runs in the second inning loading the bases with two outs, but could not bring anyone home. NU would get runners on base in the sixth and seventh innings, but again would not be able to capitalize. She struck out nine while only walking one Eagle.
Kelli Peckham went the distance for NU (6-9, 2-5 CCC) with another solid outing giving up seven hits and striking out seven EOU batters. Katelyn Riedinger, Alyssa Gonzalez, Darian Godfrey and Bethany Bay of Kirkland had the hits for the Eagles with all going 1-for-3 from the plate.
Game 2 – Trailing 3-1 going into the fifth inning, the NU bats would finally catch fire in the big fifth inning. Mikayla Scoggins led off with an infield single followed by a Katelin Lewis walk. Savannah Rush singled to left field, but Lewis was tagged out at second. Lexie Robbins got on base with a bunt and Riedinger followed that with a clutch single to right, scoring Scoggins from third. Rush scored on a sacrifice fly by Ricki Tacdol and pinch hitter, Janey Ganta singled up the middle driving in Riedinger and Robbins. Four runs on four hits giving NU the 5-3 lead.
Yelas picked up the win in relief of Kierston Perry who went 2 2/3 innings. Yelas pitched 3 1/3 innings giving up five hits, one run and no walks. Peckham earned the save with her timely pitching in the seventh.
Riedinger led the Eagles (7-9, 3-5 CCC) going 2-for-3, scoring two runs and batting in two RBI’s. Janey Ganta came in to go 1-for-2 and had two big RBI’s and Gonzalez went 1-for-2.
“Our bats were a little late, not coming out until the second game, but we did a great job stringing hits together and moving base runners,” said Mallory Tacdol, Eagle head coach. “Our pitchers are doing a good job coming in for one another in difficult situations. Overall our defense was solid which helped prevent runs. Courtney Gain received one ball to play all game and threw a runner out at home from right field–that’s a big play as a freshman.”
Northwest Splits Doubleheader with College of Idaho
The Eagles earned a split with the College of Idaho, dropping a close, 3-1 decision in the first game and coming back for an 8-3 victory in the second game in Cascade Conference play. It was the first win over the College Idaho since NU began their softball program three years ago.
College of Idaho’s (11-15, 3-3 CCC) Cortni Pena threw a five hitter in the first game to earn the win for the Yotes.
Perry pitched a two-hitter in the second game to help lift NU (6-8, 2-4 CCC). Scoggins hit a solo home run in the second game to help the Eagles cause.
