Eagles Face Off in Tucson: A Thrilling Split for Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (AZ)!

Embry-Riddle had a mixed day at the Tucson Invitational Games. They lost their first game to #6 Madonna, 6-2, and then bounced back to defeat RV St. Francis, 9-6.

Game 1

The match against Madonna was tough from the start. Embry-Riddle’s pitcher, Claire Streeter, held them scoreless for the first two innings. Unfortunately, the Crusaders found their stride in the third inning, scoring two runs. They continued to add to their lead, bringing the score to 6-0 by the fifth inning.

Offensively, Embry-Riddle struggled. Madonna’s pitcher, Oyer, was impressive, keeping the Eagles from hitting until the seventh inning. That’s when Emma Almodoba hit a double, followed by Kealey Myhre’s two-run homer. This late surge finished the game at 6-2.

Even in defeat, there were bright spots. Myhre not only hit a home run but also showed patience at the plate with a walk. Almodoba’s performance highlighted the team’s potential for a last-minute comeback.

On defense, Lily Anderson proved her worth behind the plate with eight putouts and three handled stolen base attempts. The infield also turned an impressive double play thanks to Jade Bayless’s quick reflexes at first base.

Both Streeter and Vanessa Brink combined for seven strikeouts, but they allowed 13 hits. Streeter took the loss, making her season record 2-2.

Game 2

The Eagles came alive in the second game. They scored two runs in the first inning when Myhre walked, and Almodoba brought in a run with another bases-loaded walk. Camille Graham also contributed with a walk, making it 2-0.

In the third inning, the Eagles extended their lead to 5-0. Leah Salas hit a solo home run, followed by a triple from Jade Bayless that scored Autumn Sulusi. Almodoba added a sacrifice fly, pushing the score further.

But the Eagles weren’t done yet. They hit back-to-back home runs in the fourth inning, again from Myhre and Salas. In the sixth inning, a single from Arianna Garcia and a sacrifice fly from Graham added two more runs.

St. Francis tried to mount a comeback, scoring two runs in the sixth and four in the seventh. However, the Eagles’ pitching staff, led by Brink, maintained control and sealed the win.

Standout Performers:

• Leah Salas: 4 hits, 2 home runs, 2 RBIs, 3 runs
• Arianna Sulusi: 5 hits, 3 runs
• Jade Bayless: 2 hits, 1 triple, 1 RBI, 1 run, 2 walks
• Kealey Myhre: 1 hit, 1 home run, 1 RBI, 1 run, 1 walk
• Arianna Garcia: 1 hit, 1 RBI
• Camille Graham: 0 hits, 2 RBIs, 1 walk, 1 sacrifice fly
• Vanessa Brink: 5.2 innings, 3 hits, 0 earned runs, 4 strikeouts, Win (4-0)

Embry-Riddle will play again in Tucson on Monday, starting against La Sierra at 9 AM.

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