DAVIS, Calif. – Santa Clara softball had a one-run lead in the top of the seventh as Sacred Heart loaded the bases with no outs, when Cari Ferguson, who started the game, re-entered in relief and retired the next three batters to shut down the Pioneer come back attempt to give the Broncos a 5-4 victory on Sunday. Santa Clara finished the Capital City Classic Tournament with a 2-2 record winning the last two games.
HOW IT HAPPENED:
- Ferguson started in the circle and was lifted after four innings allowing two runs on five hits with Santa Clara ahead 4-2.
- Santa Clara (9-12) held onto a 5-3 lead entering the seventh but Sacred Heart (2-7) put the first four runners on base against Kendal Manley on three singles and a walk including Charlene Davis' hit to get the Pioneers within a run at 5-4 as Ferguson came in relief. The Bronco hurler got Alex Barbera to ground out to second to cut down the lead runner at home for the first out. The next batter, Olivia Bibbo popped up on an infield fly rule to short. With two down, Ferguson battled Savannah Moore for an eight pitch at-bat before striking her out swinging to end the game, stranding all three runners on base.
- The reigning West Coast Conference Pitcher and Freshman of the Year picked up her fifth win of the season with the final line of five innings, five hits, two runs, no walks and four strikeouts.
- Davis went 3-for-4 with a pair of runs batted in. Her first RBI came in the third inning that put the Pioneers up 2-1.
- The Broncos answered with three runs in the fourth. Audrey Graham bunted in the run that tied the game and Cienna Kowaleski singled in the go-ahead run. Graham would later score on an error to give the Broncos a 4-2 lead.
- The teams exchanged a run each in the sixth. An RBI double by Katherine Burras cut into the SCU lead, 4-3, but Elle Merlino drew a bases loaded walk for a Bronco insurance run that proved to be the difference in the game.
- Emily Heath pitched a complete game for Sacred Heart. She allowed five runs, three earned, on five hits and five walks to drop to 1-3.
NEXT UP:
- Santa Clara plays a doubleheader at San José State on Saturday starting at 10 a.m. PT.
Connect with the Broncos on Social Media
Athletics: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube | Snapchat
Softball: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
