Sometimes big games do live up to their billing. The Eagles headed to Escondido Friday night for a battle of Coastal League titans in their game against Escondido Charter. The teams played a close 3 -2 game in March where the Eagles came out on top. Sitting one, two in the Coastal League, this rematch was one everyone had circled on their calendars.
The teams sent their top pitchers to the mound in this game with Olivia Anderson pitching for the Eagles and Lilly Harper making the start for the White Tigers. Both pitchers threw good games working their way out of jams and setting the tone for the game.
Escondido opened the scoring in the bottom of the second when Mariana Bedolla singled and advanced to second on an error. Selena Salas then got an infield single and an aggressive base- running Bedolla scored from second.
The pitching got tight after the first run was on the board. The Eagles threatened to tie the game in the top of the sixth when the Eagles first two batters, Kayla Emond and Maya Tyszkiewicz got back-to-back singles. But Harper then got the next three Eagles out on pop ups and fly balls.
The Eagles finally broke through in the top of the seventh. Torin Bennett walked to open the inning. Hannah Muscat moved Bennett to second on a fielder’s choice. Kayla Crecion then drove a line drive to the fence in left center for a triple that brought home the Eagles first run. The Eagles however were not able get the go ahead run home. The Tigers went 1-2-3 in the bottom half of the inning and the game went to extra innings.
In the top of the 8th the Eagles were able to load the bases with one out when Bryn Henson picked up her second hit of the day, followed by an Anderson single and a Maddie Binnie walk. Torin Bennett then hit a line drive to third and third baseman Rose Gomez doubled up Bryn Henson before she could get back to the bag. In the bottom half of the inning Aspen Lee made two great catches in left field to keep the game level heading into the nineth.
The Eagles once again got their first two batters on base with a Muscat single and a Crecion walk. But with one out the Tigers turned their second double play of the game as Emond struck out and Muscat was caught stealing at third to end the inning.
In the bottom half of the inning The Tigers first two batters reach base on a walk and a hit by pitch. After a sacrifice bunt moved them over to second and third the Eagles intentionally walked the next batter. Anderson struck out Natalya Powers. Bedolla then came to the plate and topped off a slow roller up the third base line to score Zayleh Jones for the winning run.
Throughout the game the pitching battle between Anderson and Harper was the key storyline with both pitchers going the distance. While Escondido had the best result on the scoreboard, Anderson won the pitching dual. Harper had a good day holding the Eagles to one run on seven hits, while walking 5 and striking out 6. Andreson was charged with one earned run while giving up 4 hits. She also struck out 13 batters and allowed only three walks capping a great perfromanceon the mound.
Following the loss the Eagles and White Tigers now sit tied atop the Coastal League, each with just one league loss. The Eagles will enter the final two weeks of their season with a number of league games ahead. Next stop is back at SFC on Saturday morning against the Coronado Islanders who are at the top of the City League with a 15 -4 record.