BILLINGS, Mont. – The Central Washington University softball team (13-14, 4-4 GNAC) fall short in both games by just one run to the Montana State University Billings Yellow Jackets (11-16, 5-7 GNAC) Friday afternoon. The 'Cats lost the first game by a score of 3-4, and the second 4-5. The Wildcats wrap up the weekend going 1-3 in Billings, before heading to Turlock, CA. next weekend to compete in the 2023 Tournament of Champions.
GAME 1
The Wildcats fall short of the sixth inning comeback by a score of 3-4. The 'Cats weren't able to bring the tying run in, in the top of the sixth, but were highlighted by Jordans two-run home run in the fourth, and Millers RBI single in the sixth.
SCORING:
Montana State University Billings got things started in the bottom of the third with a two run home run by Kalehuawehe. Yellow Jackets lead 0-2.
Central answers right back in the top of the fourth when Brooke Jordan homered to center scoring Alyssa Benthagen. Tying the game 2-2.
The home runs continued for the Yellow Jackets as Martin's home run gives the Jackets the lead 2-3.
The fourth also brings a run around for MSUB when Blaschak reaches on an error, scoring Imada. MSUB leads 2-4.
CWU gets a run back in the sixth when Makayla Miller Singled to Center scoring Sasha Mitchell. Cats trail, and finish 3-4.
PITCHING:
Centrals Ashlee Laver goes six Innings in the loss, fanning two at the plate, walking three, and giving up three earned runs.
MSU relies on Etheridge again, going seven innings striking out four, walking four, and also giving up three earned runs.
HITTING:
Harlee Carpenter and Brooke Jordan both led the 'Cats with two big hits apiece in the contest. Jordan of course homered in the fourth for Central, highlighting the first game.
Benthagen, Mitchell, Decker, and Miller all had a hit a piece in game one.
Kalehuawehe and Martin homered for the Yellow Jackets.
GAME 2
Kalehuawehe's walk off home run in the bottom of the seventh hands the 'Cats their second loss on the day. The Wildcats kept the ball in the yard this game, getting all their runs on balls that never left the park. MSUB however hit a home run in each of the final three innings to win 4-5 over the 'Cats.
SCORING:
Benthagen grounded out to SS, scoring Theissen. CWU leads 1-0.
MSUB snags one on Kalehuawehe's ground out to second that scored Seeton. Tied 1-1.
The 'Cats answer back with Kings single when Schimmel scored on the error. 'Cats lead 2-1.
The second inning continues on with Thiessens single to left scoring King and Heytvelt. Wildcats up 4-1.
MSUB answers with a home run in the fifth, sixth, and walk off in the seventh, by Penney, Meyer, and Kalehuwehe. Final CWU 4, MSUB 5.
PITCHING:
CWU-
Isabel Womack goes one inning striking out one, walking four, and surrendering one earned run.
Payton Kessler gets tagged with the loss going five innings striking out four, walking none, and giving up four earned runs.
MSUB-
Julia Qualteri moves to 3-3 on the season going seven innings, fanning four, walking five, and giving up four earned runs.
HITTING:
The 'Cats finish with nine hits in 27 at bats. Highlighted by Allie Thiessen and Brooke Jordan's two hits each.
Allie Theissen also led the Wildcats with two RBI's.
WHATS NEXT?
The Wildcats head to Turlock California to compete in the Tournament of Champions where they will face Hawaii Pacific University on Friday, March 31st at 9 a.m. PST.
