Undoubtedly, these final six games of AUX Softball will give us a champion and it’s all hands on deck. As series three is underway, I expect all of these players to come out with great energy. Looking at the first two games of series three, we saw a bit of everything. So, without further ado, here are games thirteen and fourteen of AUX Softball.
Game Thirteen: Team O’Toole’s squad walks it off in extra innings over Team Zerkle
Without a doubt, this game gave us a great pitching performance and some heroics at the plate. What’s more, outfielder Morgan Zerkle’s squad didn’t score a run until the top of the sixth inning. That run came on a passed ball, scoring infielder Nadia Taylor while runs two and three came in the seventh. In this case, infielder Andrea Filler and shortstop Sydney Romero each had an RBI in the inning.
As for pitcher Danielle O’Toole’s team, infielder Sierra Romero slammed a double to score outfielder Jazmyn Jackson in the first. Romero was the MVP 3 for her two-hit effort. Next, they scored a run on an error and infielder Tori Vidales hit a sacrifice fly RBI in the third. After seven innings of play, we head to extras tied at three runs apiece.
Following Zerkle’s team not scoring in their half of the eighth inning, O’Toole’s squad had a chance to walk off. As a matter of fact, that’s what they did as infielder Amanda Chidester hit a game-winning single for the win. For her effort, Chidester was the game’s MVP 2.
CHIDDY IN THE CLUTCH 😤
— Athletes Unlimited (@AUProSports) June 24, 2022
Team O’Toole secures the win in walk-off fashion 🥳@chiddy3 | 📺 ESPN2 pic.twitter.com/N00ge8mD17
Heading to the circle, Rachel Garcia went six and two-thirds innings, allowing three hits and striking out six. As a result, she was voted MVP 1 for her outstanding effort.
Game Fourteen: Garcia Shines as O’Toole wins doubleheader over Team Fischer
O’Toole and her team picked up right where they left off, as the bats were everywhere. To begin, Vidales hit a two-run homer to left field in the second inning for the early lead. Furthermore, the former Texas A&M Aggies star was the game’s MVP 3.
Not to be outdone, infielder Sam Fischer’s team scored three runs in their half of the third inning. Infielder Sis Bates hit an RBI single while Fischer went deep on a two-run slam to score Bates.
However, left fielder Amanda Lorenz responded with a no-doubter to right-center field in the bottom of the third. While the offense was over Fischer’s squad, Team O’Toole had some power in the bats. Garcia showed off her power, hitting a homer to right field in the fourth inning.
The UCLA standout hit another two-run homer for good measure in the sixth inning. Once again, she was the MVP 1, capping her magnificent day in San Diego.
SHE DID IT AGAIN 🤯
— Athletes Unlimited (@AUProSports) June 24, 2022
Have yourself a day, @raaaccchhheeell 👏#AUX | 📺 ESPN2 pic.twitter.com/Bj4ATv9tNy
O’Toole earned herself MVP 2 honors after going all seven innings, allowing 10 hits and striking out three. Important to note: the lefty became the first pitcher in AUX Softball history to toss a complete game.
AUX Softball Standings
Significantly, Garcia moved up 22 spots in the standings as she trails O’Toole by 64 points for the top shot. Also, Chidester is clinging to an eight-point advantage over Fischer for the third spot.
All things considered, two great games as the 50th anniversary of Title IX was celebrated. To me seeing these amazing players keeps me in awe. All the players wore IX on the back of their jerseys, which was a sight to see. Here’s to another 50 years of seeing girls and women excelling on a high level.
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