Without a doubt, this season of AUX Softball has been fun to watch, as evidenced by the sold-out crowds at Wilkins Stadium in Wichita, Kansas. Series Two up to this point has been about home runs and close games from three competitive teams. As Series Two came to a close, the action did not disappoint as both games were tight. That being said, here is a recap of the final two games in Series Two.
Game Eleven: A Pitch-Perfect Effort in AUX Softball
Photo Credit: Jade Hewitt – Athletes Unlimited
This game between Taylor Edwards and Jocelyn Alo’s teams saw a combined 11 hits and two total runs on the scoreboard. The lone runs came off the bat of Bubba Nickles in the top of the third inning with a two-run homer to right-center. Nickles would garner MVP2 honors for her effort as teammate Mariah Mazon was the MVP1.
The veteran right-hander went the distance, allowing four hits and striking out four batters. Mazon made history, becoming the first pitcher in AU Pro Softball AUX history to toss a complete game shutout.
the FIRST complete game shut out in AUX history 😳@mariahmazon was dealing today 🔥 #AUProSB pic.twitter.com/kYw2IVUYcM
— AU Pro Softball (@auprosoftball) June 20, 2024
It is important to note that both Tori Vidales and Morgan Zerkle made history of their own, reaching the 100-hit plateau in their Athletes Unlimited Pro Softball careers. Both join Victoria Hayward as the only three players to accomplish the feat. Vidales earned MVP3 honors with her two-hit game, both doubles for Team Alo.
ZERKLE 🤩
— AU Pro Softball (@auprosoftball) June 19, 2024
with that hit, @mzerkleee becomes just the second player in #AUProSB history to reach the 100 hits milestone!#AUProSB | 📺 ESPN2 pic.twitter.com/j40YimTtfB
Additionally, Team Edwards became the third team in AU Pro Softball AUX history to have a shutout. What’s more, Edwards was the defensive MVP.
Game Twelve: Series Two Finale Decides to Walk-Off
Photo Credit: Jade Hewitt – Athletes Unlimited
Unlike the first game of the doubleheader, both Team Alo and McKenzie Clark‘s team scored runs in the matchup. Team Clark got on the board in the top of the first with an RBI single by Kalei Harding. Yet, Alo’s squad took the lead in the bottom of the second with an RBI by Haylie McCleney and Baylee Klingler scored as well. The 2-1 score with Team Alo ahead remained the same until the seventh inning.
Nadia Taylor stepped into the batter’s box in the top of the inning and went yard with two outs to tie the game at two runs apiece. Entering the bottom of the frame, Vidales ended the night and Series Two with a solo shot to straight center field.
TORI VIDALES CALLS GAME!@vidalestori | 📺 ESPN2 pic.twitter.com/LCHeERuTTO
— AU Pro Softball (@auprosoftball) June 20, 2024
Team Alo snapped their two-game losing streak with the 3-2 win. Vidales won MVP 1 as Taylor was the MVP 2. Sydney McKinney earned MVP3 with a two-hit performance.
Team Captains for Series Three Finale
To no one’s surprise, Alo maintains her lead on the leadership and as the captain of Team Gold. Next, Nickles will lead Team Orange as she trails Alo by 62 points on the leaderboard. Lastly, Mazon leaped 11 spots to take the final captain spot, leading Team Blue.
the Series 3 Captains presented by @KochIndustries 🤩
— AU Pro Softball (@auprosoftball) June 20, 2024
💛 @78jocelyn_alo
🧡 @madilyn_nickles
🩵 @mariahmazon #AUProSB pic.twitter.com/zDVLcxuZxG
Series Three gets underway on June 22nd as Team Alo faces Team Mazon at 1:00 pm ET and Team Nickles and Mazon close the doubleheader at 3:30 pm ET. The road to the crowning of the 2024 AUX Softball champion is all that closer.
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