CLAREMONT, Calif. – Results were mixed in Linfield's softball doubleheader Friday afternoon at Wig Beach Field. Facing a game-tested Pomona-Pitzer squad, Linfield had to settle for a loss and a tie to start the 2019 campaign. The Sagehens spoiled the Wildcats' debut, pulling way in the late going for a 7-3 victory in Game 1. The two teams then battled into the eighth inning of Game 2 tied a 7 before action was halted due to darkness.
Pomona-Pitzer improved its season record to 5-0-1. Linfield, ranked No. 4 in the first National Fastpitch Coaches Association Top 25 poll, ended the day with an 0-1-1 record.
GAME 1: Pomona-Pitzer 7, Linfield 3
With eight hits to the Sagehens' 10, the Wildcats nearly matched the hosts hit for hit. But Pomona made the most of its opportunities, plating three runs in the fourth inning to open up a 4-1 advantage. Linfield countered with a pair of runs in the fifth before the Hens added three more runs in the fifth and six innings to pull away.
Makenna Clizer paced the 'Cats with a pair of hits, including a home run, and first-year starters
Abi Proffitt and
Kelsey Wilkinson added two hits each.
Wildcats stater
Shelby Saylors lasted 3 2/3 innings before turning the game over to veteran
Tanna Benson. Saylors was saddled with the loss, allowing six hits and three walks with two strikeouts.
GAME 2: Linfield 7, Pomona-Pitzer 7, tie, darkness
Both squads generated 10 hits. Linfield's total included a homer from
Shakayla Snyder, the first of her career, and doubles by Wilkinson,
Katie Phillips and
Paige Smotherman. Wilkinson, who went 3 for 5 with a pair of runs scored, was the only Wildcat with more than one hit.
Eliza Rossman started the game in the circle, lasting 1 2/3 innings before being chased to the dugout in favor of Saylors. Rossman surrendered five hits, four earned runs and three walks. Saylors faced the final 23 batters, striking out three and allowing no walks.
Like Game 1, Pomona built a 4-1 lead. The Wildcats eventually tied the game at 4 in the fifth. A three-run burst by Linfield in the sixth, fueled by Snyder's home run, put the 'Cats in front 7-4. But Pomona answered with three unearned runs in the seventh to pull even and force extra innings.
Next
Linfield enjoys an open day Saturday before heading to Occidental for a doubleheader starting at noon.
