CHANDLER, ARIZ. – The OUAZ softball team played two different types of games on Tuesday against Benedictine Mesa, but those contests each ended with the same result – a victory. The Spirit kept BenU off the scoreboard in both games, and were able to earn a doubleheader sweep with a great all-around effort.
OUAZ 10, Benedictine Mesa 0
The two teams played scoreless through the first two innings, and each squad had an opportunity to plate a run in the second inning. While the Redhawks would remain without a run the remainder of the contest, the Spirit would score in every remaining inning starting in the third.
An RBI triple by Brooklynne Esquibel would bring home Brianna Humphries to start the day's scoring. Esquibel would then touch home plate thanks to an Emily Henard single in the next at-bat.
The Spirit would execute a perfect run-down double-steal play to score its only run in the fourth inning to get a 3-0 lead, then double its advantage in the fifth. Esquibel would once again bring home Humphries on an extra-base hit, this time a double, and would score herself thanks to a Lauren Russell sacrifice fly.
OUAZ scored three more again in the seventh inning, putting an exclamation point on the first victory of the day. Lauren Russell got a second RBI in the final frame, getting it this time via a double. Humphries would drive in two more with a bases-loaded double to center field.
Humphries had a phenomenal first game, going 4-for-5 with three doubles and three RBI. The shortstop also had a home run, blasting a pitch for a solo trip around the bases.
While Humphries was doing damage in the leadoff spot, Esquibel was just as successful right behind her in lineup. Hitting in the two-spot, Esquibel went 3-for-4 with two RBI, two runs scored, and drew a walk.
Alyvia Hernandez and Riley Shopp combined to give up just five hits over the seven innings. After a great three frames from Hernandez to start the game, Shopp gave up just one hit over the final four innings to lock in the victory.
OUAZ 1, Benedictine Mesa 0
After scoring 10 runs in the previous contest, the Spirit would have to wait until the fifth to get on the board. Esquibel got on base with an infield single to second base, then would score on a throwing error from the second baseman to take the deciding lead.
The Spirit did get seven hits, with two of those coming off the bat of Mia Casadei. Kaylee Ramirez had OUAZ's lone extra-base it, a double in the sixth inning.
Jazmine Ayala turned in another amazing start, giving up just three hits in a complete-game shutout victory. Ayala also struck out seven batter while not giving up a walk along the way.
The Spirit will get right back on the field on Wednesday, taking on the Cal Pac-leading Embry-Riddle Eagles. First pitch of the doubleheader in Prescott, Ariz. is set for 4 p.m.
