CLAREMONT, CA. – The Sagehens split the day with Whittier, winning 8–7 with a walk-off from Gianna Phillips in game one then falling 1-4 in game two.
Season Impact: With the split, the Sagehens record is now to 13–18 overall and 6–6 in SCIAC play.
Game One
Sagehens 8, Whittier 7
The Sagehens erupted for eight runs on 11 hits. Kylie Liu led the way, going 3-for-4 with a home run, a double, and two RBIs, while Natalie Murguia added a 2-for-4 effort with two runs scored. Audrey Reimers contributed two hits, two runs, and an RBI, and Gianna Phillips was the hero in with two hits and two RBIs to walk-off the game. Claire Sefkow also added an RBI, while Sadie Huryn reached base twice and scored two runs to set the table. In the circle, the Sagehens used a three-pitcher effort to secure the win. Mia Lopez got the start, allowing three runs on four hits over one inning. Audrey Reimers followed, surrendering four runs on four hits in 1.1 innings. Nyla Springer was dominant in relief, earning the win after tossing 4.2 scoreless innings while allowing just three hits and one walk, adding two strikeouts to shut the door and preserve the victory.
Whittier struck first in the second inning, capitalizing on a pair of hits and a defensive miscue to plate three runs and take an early 3–0 lead. The Poets continued to apply pressure in the third, using a two-run home run and another extra-base hit to extend the advantage to 7–0. The Sagehens responded in the sixth inning with a big rally, erupting for five runs on five hits to cut into the deficit. Liu sparked the comeback with a two-run home run, while Reimers followed with an RBI single. Sefkow added to the momentum with a steal of home, and Sophia Roberts brought in another run on a defensive error as the Sagehens closed the gap to 7–5. The Sagehens kept the momentum rolling in the seventh inning, putting together another late surge. After loading the bases, Sefkow drove in a run with a groundout before Phillips walked it off with a clutch two-RBI single up the middle to give the Sagehens the victory.
Game Two
Sagehens 1, Whittier 4
The Sagehens were limited to one run on six hits. Sadie Huryn led the way with a perfect 3-for-3 performance, including a double, while Gianna Phillips provided the lone RBI with an extra-base hit. Claire Sefkow accounted for the Sagehens' only run, reaching base and coming around to score. Audrey Reimers also added a hit to contribute to the offensive effort. In the circle, Pomona-Pitzer used a two-pitcher effort in the contest. Nyla Springer took the loss, tossing 5.1 innings while allowing three runs on six hits with three walks. Reimers followed in relief, giving up one run on two hits over 1.2 innings while adding a pair of strikeouts.
Whittier's bats remained hot, taking early advantage of a pair of errors to plate a run and grab an early 1–0 lead. The Sagehens responded in the second inning, as Sefkow came around to score on an RBI double from Phillips to even the game at 1–1. The Poets regained the lead in the third inning with an RBI single to make it 2–1, and despite opportunities on both sides, the score held steady through the middle innings. Pomona-Pitzer struggled to capitalize offensively, leaving runners on base and unable to string together key hits. Whittier added insurance in the sixth inning, using a two-run home run to extend the lead to 4–1. From there, the Sagehens were unable to mount a comeback, as the Poets held them in check over the final frames to secure the 4–1 victory.
Up Next: The Sagehens will take on Occidental College for game one of the three game series at home. The game will be on April 17 at 3:00 PM.
