WADDELL, Ariz. – In a matchup of nationally ranked opponents, No. 19 College of Idaho split a doubleheader on Saturday against No. 11 Hope International.
Hannah McNerney twirled a three-hit shutout in a 4-0 win for the Yotes (4-2) in Game 1, with the Royals (4-2) getting a strong effort on the mound from Mikayla Kekoa in a 6-1 victory in Game 2.
Freshman
Hattie Hruza gave McNerney (2-0) all the run support she needed in Game 1, blasting a three-run home run over the left-field fence in the bottom of the second inning.
Kylie Smith singled up the middle to score Hruza in the fifth to provide an extra insurance run.
The homer for Hruza was the first of her collegiate career and was part of a 2-for-2 performance at the plate with three RBI and two runs scored.
The Royals biggest threat came in the top of the fifth inning when they loaded the bases with two outs for Nicole Wise, who flew out to left to end the inning. McNerney did not allow a runner to advance past second base in any other inning, including setting the Royals down in order on two occasions.
Over the course of her seven innings in the circle, McNerney allowed just three hits while striking out two. The right-hander induced 11 groundouts and seven flyouts.
Leading 1-0 entering the bottom of the third in Game 2, Hope International sent nine batters to the plate in the inning to score five runs on four hits.
C of I starter
Lexi Navarrete (0-2) went 2 1/3 innings and departed with runners on the corners in the third inning. A Taylor Gallo double down the left-field line off reliver
Brianna Hoffman brought home both baserunners.
Loryn Fonger pitched 2 1/3 scoreless innings to finish the game for the Yotes, striking out a pair.
Lauren Gordon's RBI single in the fourth inning to score
Trystin Crofts brought home the lone run for C of I.
Kekoa (2-1) finished with a complete game on the mound for HIU, striking out eight and scattering six hits while allowing just the one run.
The Yotes return to Canyon View High School on Sunday for a doubleheader against Embry-Riddle. First pitch of Game 1 is slated for 10 a.m.
