Sami Stark’s two RBI single with the bases loaded in the bottom of the sixth inning propelled UC Santa Barbara (10-5) to victory, 3-2, over Seattle University (8-6) at Campus Diamond on the first day of the Gaucho Classic II.
Down 2-1 heading into the sixth, Keilani Jennings got the rally started by drawing her second walk of the day. Then with two outs and Jennings still on first, Lauren Boser and Jessica Reichner drew back to back walks to load up the bases. Stark then promptly singled up the middle for the game winning-hit. Stark seems to be making a habit of clutch performances as she had a walk-off double in the Gaucho Classic I against San Diego. Stark went 1-for-3 on the day.
Shelby Wisdom pitched a complete game and had nine strikeouts to keep Seattle’s offense at bay. She only allowed three hits and allowed one earned run to improve her record to 7-4.
The entire Gauchos outfield, Jessica Soria, Arianna Palomares and McKenzie Kane, all went 2-for-3 in the game. They combined for six of the teams eight total hits. Soria led the game off with a single and then stole second for her team high seventh stolen base of the season. Palomares then singled to center and Soria came around to score after an error to give the Gauchos a 1-0 lead after the first inning.
Seattle answered back in the third after an error by Reichner allowed a run to come in making it a 1-1 game. The score stayed tied due to a tough pitchers duel until the sixth inning.
In the top of the sixth, Wisdom gave up a lead off walk which would be cashed in by a two out double giving Seattle the lead 2-1.
UCSB answered back in the bottom half of the inning with Stark’s heroics to win the game.
The Gauchos square off against Seattle again tomorrow at 10 a.m. on the second day of the Gaucho Classic II. They play again at 2:30 p.m. against South Dakota St.
