Box Score 1 |
Box Score 2 Photo by: Tony Leon/ActionWestPhotography.com
WHITTIER, Calif. – The Whittier College Softball team struggled offensively Sunday afternoon as they were slept in a doubleheader to Nationally Ranked powerhouse Linfield College 7-2 and 11-0.
Whittier is now 2-4 on the young season, while Linfield improves to 4-0.
Game 1 (L, 7-2)
Linfield capitalized on an error by an errant throw in the top half of the first to take an early lead. Whittier though responded in the bottom half with a run on a couple hits. Kacey Whitney (Cypress, Calif.) led things off with a single up the middle and was followed by a Sierra Rodriguez single up the middle as well. After a force out at third and Natalia Sanchez (Chino Hills, Calif.) reaching on a fielder's choice Rebecca Barber (El monte, Calif.) was able to tie things up with a foul out sacrifice fly to right.
The game remained deadlocked until the 4th when Linfield went back out in front with Oord hitting a solo shot. But again the Purple & Gold responded in the bottom half with Marialena Ahern (Fremont, Calif.) grounding out to second that plated Brianna Alvarez (Montebello, Calif.).
In the 5th the wheels fell off for Samantha Blum (San Jose, Calif.) who surrendered three runs on four hits, which included a two run shot by Fletcher that opened the game up. The Wildcats then added two insurance runs in the 7th that locked in the win.
Ahern finished 2-4 with an RBI, while Alvarez was 3-3 with a run scored.
Blum picked up the loss giving up four runs on six hits, while striking out four. She now drops to 1-2.
Game 2 (L, 11-0)
The offense stalled in game two as Whittier was no-hit by Lio and Benson. Linfield opened up the scoring barrage with three runs in the 2nd, tacked on one in 4th and then added seven over the next two innings that run ruled the Poets.
Blum got the start and picked up the loss going 5.0 innings giving up five runs on seven hits and struck out five. Annika Seedborg (Hawaiian Gardens, Calif.) came in relief and gave up four on three hits.
Whittier travels this Saturday, February 25 as they host the Uni. of Redlands with game times set for 12:00pm and 2:00pm.
