CALDWELL, Idaho –
Ashley Pesek tossed a complete game four-hitter in today's opener, helping the College of Idaho to a non-conference doubleheader split with Lewis & Clark College at Symms Field.
The Lady Yotes (7-8-1) won Game 1, 2-1, but stranded 10 runners in a 6-5 loss in the late afternoon matchup.
Pesek kept the Pioneers (8-13) off balance throughout the opener – with L&C scoring their lone run on a long sixth inning opposite field home run from Emily Drevdahl. The righty walked three and struck out three in picking up her fourth win.
Destiny Turner, who reached base in 6-of-7 at bats on the day, delivered both runs in Game 1 for the Yotes. After
Courtney Ellis lined a one-out triple in the opening inning, the All-America ripped a run-scoring single up the middle for a 1-0 lead, adding a two-out RBI single in the fifth inning that provided the eventual winning run.
Jill Pinder took the loss for the Pios, allowing two earned runs on just four hits with four strikeouts in four-plus innings of work.
The visitors jumped out to a 3-0 lead in Game 2, as Jenai Rojo executed a perfect squeeze bunt in the first, with Hannah Del Pra belting a two-run homer in the fourth.
C of I cut the margin to 3-2 in the fifth – as Turner provided a two-out RBI single, with a run scoring on a
Katie Rowe grounder that was bobbled by the L&C defense. The Pioneers would make it 4-2 in the sixth on a solo homer from Rojo, tacking on two key unearned runs in the seventh – thanks to a C of I error and two bases loaded walks.
The insurance runs would loom large, as a walk to Turner and a Rowe base hit to start the seventh set up
Hailey Chambers, who launched a long three-run homer to left to pull the Yotes within a run.
Ali Longoria would reach with a one-out walk, but a ground out and pop up ended the game.
Paige Salavea went 2-for-4 for L&C, with starter Kady Bruce working around eight hits and six walks for her second win. Kalin Rooney got the final three outs for her second save.
Ellis and Chambers each had two hits in the loss for C of I – who split their fourth-straight doubleheader.
Cortni Pena took the loss, despite allowing just four hits and striking out seven.
The Lady Yotes remain at home this weekend with doubleheaders this Friday vs. Corban (2 p.m.) and Saturday vs. Northwest Christian (11 a.m.)
