LOS ANGELES — Occidental lost a pair of competitive games to Elmhurst on Thursday afternoon with a final score of 5–3 in game one and 4-3 in game 2.
In game one, Occidental initially led with two runs in the first inning, but Elmhurst rallied with a decisive five-run fifth inning to secure the victory.
Occidental began the game strong with
Alysha Wagner doubling to right center in the first inning.
Anna Kim followed with a ground-rule double to left field, driving in Wagner. Kim advanced to third on a passed ball, and later scored on a sacrifice fly by
Sophia Siu. The Tigers led 2–0 after the first inning.
The home team added another run in the fourth inning.
Lehua Acoba singled and advanced to second on a sacrifice bunt.
Sam Palacio then singled to center field, allowing Acoba to score, extending their lead to 3–0 at the end of four innings.
Elmhurst responded in the fifth inning, scoring five runs. The inning included a key RBI single by Danielle Hood and a two-RBI double by Brenna Morley. A subsequent single by Bailey Proffitt increased the score. The Bluejays took the lead, 5–3, by the end of the fifth inning.
Occidental's offense remained quiet in the remaining innings, leaving the final score at Elmhurst 5, Occidental 3.
Kim recorded three hits, including a double, and added two stolen bases in her performance. Wagner contributed with a double and scored one run.
Jordan Lebsock tallied three hits and reached base on a walk. Palacio drove in a run with a hit and finished the game with one RBI.
In game two, Occidental started strong in the first inning.
Alysha Wagner walked but was picked off at first.
Anna Kim also walked and advanced to second on a passed ball. She reached third on
Jordan Lebsock's groundout and scored when
Rachel Rotunno singled to center field.
Sam Palacio and
Sophia Siu followed with singles, loading the bases.
Kadence Bernard's single brought Rotunno home for a 2–0 lead. The Tigers ended the inning with two runs and four hits. Score: 2–0.
In the fourth inning, Kim was hit by a pitch and advanced to third after Rotunno walked and stole second. Palacio's sacrifice fly allowed Kim to score, extending Occidental's lead.
Elmhurst responded in the sixth inning, scoring three runs and tying the game at 3-3.
In the eighth inning, the Blue Jays took the lead with a double that brought in a run. Occidental could not respond in their half of the inning, and Elmhurst took game two 4–3.
Kim scored two runs, collected one hit, and added a stolen base in the game. Siu recorded three hits, contributing significantly to the team's offensive efforts.
Sam Alfaro pitched a complete game, allowing no earned runs over 8 innings while accumulating two strikeouts. Bernard added two hits and drove in a run, demonstrating effective batting under pressure.
The Tigers are back in action next Tuesday, March 31st, with a doubleheader against Williams College with start times at 12pm and 2pm.
