ELLENSBURG, Wash. — The Central Washington University softball team hosts Saint Martin's University for a four-game GNAC series.
GAME INFORMATION
Friday, April 2
Vs Saint Martin's
1:00 p.m. & 3:00 p.m.
Frederick Field
Ellensburg, WA
LIVE STATS | WATCH
Saturday, April 3
Vs Saint Martin's
1:00 p.m. & 3:00 p.m.
Frederick Field
Ellensburg, WA
LIVE STATS | WATCH
QUOTABLE
"We've been talking about wanting the four facets of the game to show up at the right time in our season," CWU Head Coach Alison Mitchell said. "Heading into this weekend we are looking to build on working toward achieving the goal of having more consistency with the facets of the game. We've seen our battery show up in dominating form, our bats show up in a dominating form, and our defense show up in a dominating for, but not consistently or at the same time. As a team, we are keeping our focus on what we need to do to build the consistency."
SCOUTING SAINT MARTIN'S
The Saints opened the season to a tune of 7-1, but have lost five of their last six outings, and hold a 8-8. In GNAC play, Saint Martin's is 0-4.
They dropped all four of their games against the Nighthawks, being shutout in the last two games of the series.
Abby Runyon has handled the majority of the pitching duties for Saint Martin's making eight starts thus far. She holds a record of 4-4 over 50.2 innings and and ERA of 3.32. Runyon has accumulated 30 strikeouts on the year, while opposing hitters hold an average of .321 against her.
Left-hander Tia Ridings has made just three starts for the Saints and has won all of her outings. Over 20 innings, Ridings is 3-0 with an ERA of 1.05. She also holds the lowest WHIP on the Saints' staff at 1.25. All three of her starts have been complete games. She is striking out nearly one hitter per innings, retiring 16 batters by way of the K. Opposing hitters are hitting just .235 against Ridings.
Leading the Saints' offense is freshman infielder Britney Patrick. She comes into the weekend with an average of .385 and an on-base percentage of .429. Patrick has driven in 11 runs and has one home run on the year. She is also a perfect 6-for-6 in swiping bases on the season.
As a team, Saint Martin's is hitting just .245 on the year with six home runs, 64 runs scored, and an on-base percentage of .358. The long ball has not been a major factor for the Saints, as they have hit only six through 16 games.
THE WILDCATS
Central took three of four from Montana State Billings in their last series, while they currently sit at 7-7 overall and 3-1 in GNAC play.
The Crimson and Black took both games on Sunday in a pair of close battles, before splitting Monday. A four-run third inning in the series opener put the Wildcats ahead 4-0 behind Samantha Stanfield in the circle. She allowed just three runs to earn her first win of the season. Alee Cruz's sixth inning RBI-single proved to be the winner, driving across Central's sixth run of the contest. Sasha Mitchell also hit her first collegiate home run.
A pair of home runs from Theresa Moyle and Gracee Dywer helped propel Central's offense to a 7-5 win in game two. Moyle came through again at the plate, doubling a run home in the fifth inning. Ashlee Laver tossed 1.1innings of shutout relief to notch her first win of the season.
After dropping game three, 13-12, the Wildcats rebounded for a 12-4 victory in the series finale. A six-run third inning, thanks to a pair of three-run home runs from Moyle and Mitchell, helped push the Wildcats over the 'Jackets in game four. Sydney Brown drove in four runs on a solo shot and a three-run triple. Moyle, Mitchell, and Brown combined to drive in 11 of the Wildcats' 12 runs. Rhaney Harris (3-1) went the distance for the 'Cats, allowing four runs on nine hits.
Moyle is currently hovering just below .500 on the season, hitting at a clip of .490. She has recorded nine extra base hits (3 2B, 3 3B, 3 HR) and leads Central in runs batted in with 21. She has walked just once and has yet to record a strike out. Moyle is currently in the top 50 hitters in Division II for batting average.
Central Washington currently sits 31st in Division II with a team batting average of .332. The Wildcats rank in the top 20 for scoring, averaging 7.14 runs per game. They are 10th in triples (8) and are 28th in on-base percentage at .419.
SPECTATORS PROHIBITED
Per Washington state, Kittitas County Health Board, and the GNAC spectators will not be allowed at events. Schedules are subject to change at any time pending decisions from the health board and other local and regional authorities.
