LA VERNE, Calif. – The visiting Whitworth Pirates fell twice to La Verne on Monday evening in the final softball doubleheader of an eight-game trip to California. Whitworth dropped game one 6-1 before an 8-0 five-inning loss in game two.
The Leopards moved to 11-6 while Pirates (1-17) were shut out for the sixth time this season.
The Bucs will look to get back in the win column win they resume Northwest Conference play at Lewis & Clark on April 5th.
Game 1: La Verne 6, Whitworth 1
The La Verne offense wore down Whitworth's pitching and Jada Coria held the Pirates to one run in a complete game effort in the circle.
After two scoreless innings, the Leopards put the first run of the game on the board after a double steal attempt scored a runner from third. In the fourth, Teeghan Reams recorded two quick outs, but La Verne followed with a single, walk and two-run double to take a 3-0 lead.
The Leopard lead doubled in the fifth. A hit batter and single put two runners on to start the inning. Two consecutive bunts pushed a pair of runs across the plate, the first scoring on a Pirate throwing error. An RBI single through the right side gave La Verne a six-run lead.
Megan Highfill started the top of the seventh inning with a single and Kendel Sage followed with an RBI triple to plate the lone Pirate run. Highfill had two of the five Whitworth base hits. Makena Hofford returned the lineup and walked twice.
Reams fell to 0-3 and allowed four earned runs in four innings after a strong first two frames. Reiss McIntyre allowed one run in one inning and Momi Lyman struck out two in a scoreless sixth.
Game 2: La Verne 8, Whitworth 0 (5 inn.)
Jaidynn Alvarez pitched a five-inning complete game shutout and held the Pirates to just two hits.
La Verne scored two runs in the first with the help of a pair of Pirate errors. Sydney Diaz reached base on a low throw to first before advancing to second after an errant throw back to the circle. A single scored Diaz and a bases loaded walk gave the Leopards a 2-0 lead. Two La Verne singles and a sacrifice fly put another run across the plate in the third.
After an RBI single in the fourth, the Leopards sealed the game with a four-run fifth. Four straight hits started the inning and three of four runs were scored on RBI doubles. Kirstin Sanchez's hit to the gap plated the eighth and final run of the game.
Kendel Sage and Reams recorded the two Pirate hits.
Lyman (1-10) started in the circle and was responsible for seven runs while striking out two in four innings. McIntyre allowed the final run and recorded two outs.
