LOS ANGELES, Calif. — Occidental (0-3) fell to Stevens (2-2) in two close matchups at Bell Field on Sunday, losing the first game 6-3 and the second game 7-4.
In the first game, Occidental recorded 12 hits, while Stevens secured the win by scoring four runs in the seventh inning. Occidental took an early lead in the second inning when
Molly Houtkooper's single down the left field line brought in
Sam Palacio, marking the game's first run. By the end of the second inning, Occidental led Stevens 1-0. In the fourth inning, Occidental extended its lead with a crucial two-run double by
Jordan Lebsock, which allowed both Houtkooper and
Alysha Wagner to score, putting Occidental ahead 3-0.
Stevens responded in the fifth inning, capitalizing on a series of plays, including a steal of home and an RBI single to score two runs, tightening the score to Occidental 3, Stevens 2 after the fifth. The seventh inning saw Stevens complete a dramatic comeback, scoring four runs, highlighted by a two-RBI single and an RBI double, giving Stevens a 6-3 lead, the eventual final.
Lebsock recorded three hits, including two doubles, and drove in two runs.
Rachel Rotunno also posted three hits, contributing offensively with consistent contact. Wagner made significant defensive contributions with four assists at shortstop while also adding two hits. Houtkooper finished with two hits and one RBI, scoring once in the game.
In the second game, Occidental again recorded 12 hits, including a double, while Stevens capitalized on a four-run third inning to secure the victory. Occidental opened the game with a strong start, scoring twice in the first inning.
Alysha Wagner singled and later scored on a sacrifice fly by
Sophia Siu.
Anna Kim also crossed the plate due to a fielding error, giving Occidental an early 2-0 lead over Stevens.
In the third inning, Stevens responded with a four-run surge, highlighted by three-run homer, putting the Ducks ahead. Occidental managed to score one run in the bottom half when Siu reached on a single and advanced home on a fielding error, bringing the score to 4-3 Ducks after the third. The fifth inning saw Stevens extend its lead with three additional runs, highlighted by an RBI single and a two-run double, resulting in a 7-3 deficit for Occidental.
Occidental pushed back in the sixth inning, adding a run to their tally as
Amarie Bolen reached base on an error and eventually scored on a single by
Jordan Lebsock. Despite this effort, Stevens maintained a 7-4 advantage after the sixth. The game concluded with neither team scoring in the seventh inning, sealing a final score of Stevens 7, Occidental 4.
Kim recorded four hits and scored one run, showcasing a strong performance at the plate. Siu contributed with three hits and one RBI, adding to the team's offensive efforts. Lebsock posted an RBI, driving in one run with a hit during the game. Rotunno doubled and collected two hits, contributing one RBI to the team's tally.
Occidental now holds a record of 0-3, while Stevens improves to 2-2.
