February 16, 2006

Box Score

vs. Adams State College   vs. Montana State Billings

Phoenix, AZ -- Senior ace Jackie Miller (Bremerton, WA/CS Stanislaus) was just one out away from pitching a perfect game after blasting a grand slam in the top of the 5th in a 15-0 rout over Adams State College. Later, the Toros used three Kate Groden (San Pedro, CA/SE Missouri) RBIs to complete their come-from-behind 8-4 victory over Montana State Billings in the nightcap, giving them three victories over the Yellowjackets in the past six days. With the wins, the reigning CCAA champs improve to a perfect 8-0 on the season.

The Toros wasted little time in flexing their collective muscles against Alamosa, Colorado-based Adams State, scoring six runs in the first two innings to provide all the offensive support Miller would need. After scoring twice in their first at-bat, the Toros tacked on four more runs in the 2nd, the big blow coming on a 2RBI single from Cindy Perry-Brown (Victorville, CA/Silverado HS), who knocked in pinch-runner Natalie Greco (Downey, CA/Warren HS) and Elicia Velazquez (San Diego, CA/Palomar JC).

After two more runs in the 4th, CSUDH used the long ball to put the game away in the 5th as Miller connected for her fourth home run of the season in style, hammering a sitter over the left field wall with the bases loaded, two batters before freshman Christine Bathauer (Torrance, CA/West HS) blasted the first home run of her freshman career to account for the final two runs in the decisive victory.

In the circle, Miller (4-0) was flawless. One start after winning the CCAA Pitcher of the Week honors, the senior ace retired 14-consecutive batters before Summer Adams beat out an infield single to shortstop, spoiling Miller's bid at perfection. One hit later, Miller would fan Stacy Martinez swinging to enjoy her 4th victory in as many starts, giving the Toro hurlers 33-consecutive innings without allowing a run. Offensively, Miller would drive in six batters while Bathauer would bring home four in the win.

In the late game against Montana State Billings, the Toros built a 3-0 lead after 1 1/2 innings, using a Groden fielder's choice and RBI singles by Jennifer Wilson (Orange, CA/CS Fullerton) and Velazquez. Montana State Billings, however, would mount a comeback in its 2nd inning at-bat, using an error and 3-run bomb to take a 4-2 lead, ending the Toros consecutive scoreless pitching streak at 34 innings.

Unfazed, CSUDH would mount its own rally three innings later as Groden again would come through, belting a screamer that would plate two Toros and give CSUDH a 5-4 lead. One inning later, CSUDH would put the Yellowjackets away as Perry-Brown would drive in two runs with a stinging single, and Velazquez would score on a wild pitch to account for the final 8-4 tally.

In the circle, junior Kristine Minter (Chula Vista, CA/Hampton University) recovered from the 2nd inning to shut down MSUB over the final innings of work, picking up her 2nd win of the season (2-0).

On day two of the Schutt Leadoff Classic, CSUDH battles Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville at 9:00 a.m., and will face an opponent to be determined after the morning session is completed