March 17, 2007
SACRAMENTO, Calif. - The Santa Clara softball team continued play at the Capitol Classic in Sacramento with the first of three games Saturday against Iowa, a rematch from last weekend. Jerrica Castagno pitched seven innings and gave up just one earned run as Santa Clara was unable to put together the offensive dominance from Friday's victory over Mercer.
In the first three innings, the Broncos were retired in order. Meanwhile, in th etop of the second, a bunt single got Iowa started. A fielders choice advanced the runner, who later stole third and scored on a poor throw by catcher Emily Batt.
Then in the top of the third, Iowa got another run after pitcher Stephanie Ackerson doubled to lead off the inning. A sacrifice bunt moved her to second, and a single by leadoff hitter Emily Nichols extended the lead to 2-0.
In the fourth and fifth innings, the Broncos were able to get six quick outs, one thanks to a runner leaving early. But in the sixth, Iowa managed a third run after an error by secondbaseman Alyc Kalamaha allowed Colleen McGlaughlin to score from first base. With that exception, the Broncos defense played a strong game, helping Castagno to face no more than four hitters in each of the final four innings.
In the bottom of the sixth, the Broncos finally got onto the scoreboard. Three consecutive singles by Angela Kabanuck, Ashley Blier and Jackie Morales allowed Kabanuck to cross home plate, but with two outs, and only a little over an inning left, it was not enough as the Broncos were defeated by Iowa for the second time.
Santa Clara (6-26) will continue play at the Capitol Classic with games against Purdue and BYU at 3:00 p.m. and 5:30 p.m., respectively.