April 16, 2007
SANTA CLARA, Calif. - The Santa Clara softball team wrapped up their tripleheader Saturday with a 5-0 loss to San Diego at Marsalli Park. Jerrica Castagno pitched in her third straight game, but by then the Toreros had figured her out. They hadn't, however figured out how to hit freshman Kaitlyn Rauschnot, who had another impressive performance.
The Toreros were definitely trying to avenge their extra-innings defeat from game two. After sending the Broncos down in order in the top of the first inning, San Diego posted four runs in the bottom of the inning, thanks to two bases-clearing doubles.
In the second inning, the Broncos had a shot, after Jackie Morales reached second base following an illegal pitch. But Morales, the Broncos first base-runner of the game, was left stranded.
Rauschnot replaced Castagno in the bottom of the second inning, and succeeded at keeping the Toreros off the bases. Only an error and a walk in the second and third innings, respectively allowed San Diego to reach base. Two strikeouts and some help from the defense kept the Toreros from padding their lead.
But pitcher Katie Jo Nelson did the same to the Broncos, giving up only three hits and a walk.
Finally in the fifth inning, San Diego managed a fifth and final run. A single by Carey Casciola and a stolen base set the table for Virginia Fritsch, who singled home the Toreros' fifth run, extending their lead to the final 5-0 margin.
The Broncos tried to get something going in their final at bats, and Nori Kamada connected for a double in the sixth, but she would be the final baserunner for the Broncos, who finished the day 1-2 against San Diego.
The Broncos (10-36, 3-4) have one more game with the Toreros, scheduled for Monday, April 16 at 10:00 a.m. at Marsalli Park.