Jordan Huttash sliding into 3rd in the 7th inning of Yotes 1-0 win
CALDWELL, Idaho - Offense was at a premium this afternoon at Wolfe Field, as pitchers' from The College of Idaho and Southern Oregon dominated - with the Lady Yotes earning a 1-0 victory in Game 1, with the Raiders winning Game 2, 2-0.
After both teams squandered opportunities early in Game 1, starters Nickayla Skinner for the Coyotes (29-13, 12-10 CCC) and Jordyn Kurtz for SOU rolled - Skinner retiring 11 straight and Kurtz 11-of-13 batters in the middle innings.
The Yotes won it in the bottom of the seventh, as Rachel Strong led off with an infield single and was lifted for pinch-runner Jordan Huttash. Kendall Pavey dropped down a perfect bunt base-hit past Kurtz, allowing Huttash to move to third. SOU (19-18, 8-11) would look to intentionally walk Paige Gabiola - but on ball four, Kurtz uncorked a wild pitch, allowing Huttash to score to end the game.
The C of I had four hits in the win, including a Molly Mills double, her school-record 53rd hit of the season. Skinner tossed a three-hit shutout - her seventh of the season, picking up her 17th win. Southern stranded five runners in the loss - all in scoring position.
Game 2 saw SOU tally an unearned run in the third as Brooke Springer stole second with one out - scoring when the throw to second went into centerfield and eluded the C of I defense. The Raiders would tack on an insurance run in the seventh on a solo homer by Stephanie Vandenbusch.
Karlie Stephens handcuffed the Yotes for a second time this season, allowing just four hits in the shutout win - as The C of I did not have a runner reach third base. Skinner took the tough-luck loss for the Coyotes, allowing just three hits and fanning eight.
The Yotes close out the regular-season tomorrw with a doubleheader against No. 7 ranked Oregon Tech at 11 a.m.