LOS ANGELES, Calif. – Occidental Softball picked up its first SCIAC victory of the season on Saturday, April 5 – a 6-5 walk-off victory over La Verne to close the three-game series.
Alysha Wagner singled home the game-winning run to send the Tiger faithful home happy with the bases loaded and one away in extras.
GAME 1 – L, 5-1
The Tigers struggled to get the bats going in the first game of the day. The Tigers mustered only two hits and five base runners, and despite trailing by only three heading into the seventh, a two-run top half proved insurmountable.
Zada Day-Adams went all seven, striking out six Leopards. After a first-inning homer, the senior settled in, allowing just five hits after that point. Her command got her in trouble at times as she issued four walks.
GAME 2 – W, 6-5 (8 INNINGS)
The Wagner walk-off victory was the Tigers first win in conference play since May 3, 2024, a 1-0 win over Pomona-Pitzer. Their last victory this season came March 9 over Manhattanville.
Occidental executed in all facets of the game, baserunning, small ball and strike throwing contributed to the win.
The Tigers battled the whole game. La Verne posted a four-run top of the first, but they wouldn't score again until the sixth inning. Chipping away, the Tigers entered the seventh down three runs, but some heads-up baserunning brought the Tigers back.
Anna Kim led off the inning with a ringing single to right center. Wagner and
Sydney Crespo followed with singles, Crespo's scored Kim after a passed ball advanced the runners.
Later in the inning, Crespo swiped home on a first-and-third play.
Sophia Siu stole second, then Crespo, running on the throw to second narrowly beat the return throw to the plate.
Siu, not stopping and taking third, scored a couple of pitches later on an
Evelyn Lorch sacrifice fly.
Sam Alfaro, who came in with two outs in the first inning, tossing seven and a third innings of one-run ball, shut the Leopards down in the top of the eighth, giving the Tigers their golden opportunity in the bottom half.
Philycia Pedrosa led off the inning with a single.
Jordan Lebsock sacrificed her to second on a perfect bunt back to the pitcher.
Katie Placensia pinch ran for Pedrosa and after a walk raced to third on a wild pitch. With the winning run at third, Kim reached on an infield single and Wagner did the same with the bases loaded to close out the win.
The Tigers are back in action on Friday, April 11 at home against Chapman. First pitch is set for 3 p.m.
