AZUSA, Calif. – The Cougars rode a strong start from Katie Korstrom to a 2-0 victory in the first half to today's doubleheader against Cal State San Bernardino before a rough defensive effort resulted in an 8-3 Coyotes' victory in the nightcap. This matchup was originally scheduled to be played in San Bernardino but was moved to the Cougar Softball Complex.
Game 1: Azusa Pacific 2, Cal State San Bernardino 0
The Cougars provided all of the offense in the first inning. Ally Chin led off the game with a double just out of the reach of the left fielder. Sommer Quinones followed with a bunt single to put runners at the corners. Quinones had reached second with two outs when Mia Alvarez hit a bloop single into right to plate both runners.
That would prove all that Korstrom needed, as the sophomore threw her third shutout of the season, allowing just two hits over the first five innings. In both the sixth and seventh, the Coyotes would get the tying run on with just one out, but in both innings, Korstrom struck out the next batter and then induced an inning ending ball to the third baseman.
Korstrom finished with four strikeouts, while Quinones had a pair of hits and a stolen base to lead the offense.
Game 2: Cal State San Bernardino 8, Azusa Pacific 3
Alvarez again kicked off the scoring with a sacrifice fly in the bottom of the first inning, but this time the Coyotes were able to respond, scoring in each of the next four innings, getting one in the second, two in the third, and one each in the fourth and fifth off started Sydnie Sahhar, then tacking on three more in the seventh thanks to a pair of errors.
In all, the Cougars committed seven errors in the contest, which resulted in six of the Coyotes eight runs being unearned. The Cougars scratched back single runs in both the fourth and sixth innings, but left nine runners on base in the contest.
Chin had three hits and an RBI in game two to lead the Cougars on offense, while Liz Phillips threw the final three innings in relief without allowing an earned run.
Up Next: Azusa Pacific (6-4) will head out on the road tomorrow when they take on Cal State Dominguez Hills, who advanced all the way to the national championship game last season. First pitch in Carson is scheduled for 12:00 noon. Livestats are available HERE, and game will be livestreamed on the CCAA Network for those with a subscription.
