Concordia Softball Sweeps Doubleheader Against UCSD

The Concordia Eagles softball team took to the diamond twice more on Tuesday, taking on a strong University of California San Diego Tritan squad on the road.  After finishing just 2-3 over the weekend in the Tournament of Champions, CUI got back on the right track against UCSD.  With Callie Nunes and Grayson Harvey on the mound, the Eagles' pitching led the way.

GAME ONE: After being named Pacwest Pitcher of the Week for the third time this season on Monday, Nunes picked up where she left off on Tuesday.
Facing the no. 22 UCSD Tritons, Nunes was again lights out.  Over the first three innings, Nunes gave up just one hit and struck out seven, but the game remained scoreless. 

In the top of the 4^th, the Eagles got on the board, giving Nunes a lead.  After a leadoff single by Amanda Gjertsen, Myka Hughes bunted her over to second and Kailey Palazzolo knocked her on a triple to the gap. 

With the score 1-0 Eagles, Nunes kept mowing down Triton hitters.  In the top of the 6^th, the same offensive pair that generated the first run of the game generated another for the Eagles.  Gjertsen smacked a double to right field and Palazzolo brought her in on a single.

The two runs were all Nunes needed.  She went the distance, giving up just two hits and walking one.  She struck out 12 batters and earned her 11^th win of the season.

Eagle Eye: Gjertsen and Palazzolo each finished two-for-three at the plate.  Nunes gave up zero earned runs for the 17^th time in a game this season.  She has given up one or zero earned runs in each of her 21 appearances.   

GAME TWO: After taking game one, the Eagles jumped out to an early lead in the second game of the doubleheader.  In the top of the 1^st, Ryann Ferguson drew a walk, stole second, and then scored on an RBI double to left center by Gjertsen. 
In the 2^nd, the Eagles would rally again.  After a single by Palazzolo and a walk by Sarah Kretschmar, Heather Nonora reached on a fielder's choice and Hughes singled to bring in another run.

With the score 2-0 Eagles, Harvey had the lead she needed.  In five innings, she gave up just one run before Nunes came in to collect the final six outs. 

Eagle Eye: Ferguson finished one-for-three with a walk and a run scored.  McKinsey Thorpe finished two-for-four.  Harvey pitched five innings, giving up just two hits and one run.  She earned her fifth win of the season.

What's Next: The Eagles are back in action on Saturday, taking on California Baptist University in Riverside.  The teams will play a doubleheader, with games scheduled for 12 PM and 6 PM.