After a strong AUX Softball opening series, Series Two got underway. The first two games had a nice balance of offense and great defense. In addition, three new captains in Dejah Mulipola (Team Gold), Danielle Gibson (Team Orange), and Sam Fischer (Team Blue). That being said, let’s take a look at the first two games of Series Two of AUX Softball.
Game Seven: Team Fischer Homers to Victory Over Team Mulipola 8-4
To begin, designated player Jordan Roberts hit a two-run single in the bottom of the first inning for Team Fischer. Then, in the top of the second, infielder Lilli Piper slammed a two-run shot for Team Mulipola to tie the game. Next, infielder Sierra Romero hit an RBI single to give Mulipola’s lead back the following inning.
SEND IT 🤯@PiperSwiper gets ALL of this ball and ties it up with one swing 👏#AUX | 📺: ESPNU pic.twitter.com/WKRh62WTWz
— Athletes Unlimited (@AUProSports) June 18, 2022
Entering the fifth inning down 3-2, Fischer’s squad used two home runs to get the lead back. First, catcher Taylor Edwards hit a big fly to right-center to tie the game. Then, outfielder Shannon Rhodes slammed a two-run shot for the lead.
Also, outfielder Morgan Zerkle hit a three-run homer to center field in the bottom of the sixth inning. The two-time silver medalist for Team USA was the game’s MVP 1.
Speed + Power = @mzerkleee
— Athletes Unlimited (@AUProSports) June 18, 2022
Small ball. Long ball. Morgan Zerkle can do it all 😤#AUX | 📺: ESPNU pic.twitter.com/I6tv32LJI2
What’s more, southpaw Haylie Wagner picked up the win for Fischer’s team and was the MVP 2. The former Michigan Wolverine threw four innings, allowing one run and two hits and struck out six batters. Outfielder Victoria Hayward had her third three-hit game, earning MVP 3 honors.
Game Eight: Team Gibson Falls Short in Pitching Duel 3-2
All things considered, this game was about those in the circle dealing as the offense was mostly held in check. The game’s first run came on a wild pitch in the fourth inning, scoring outfielder Amanda Lorenz for Gibson’s team. Yet, Fischer’s team responded with a homer by Rhodes to right field to tie the game. It was the Texas Longhorn’s second one of the day as she was the MVP 2 of this matchup.
A WALKING HIGHLIGHT REEL 🎞@ShannonRhodes2 gets her SECOND homerun of the day 😤#AUX | 📺: ESPNU pic.twitter.com/2cQm2qaGM3
— Athletes Unlimited (@AUProSports) June 18, 2022
In the fifth inning, Fischer’s squad added two more runs in their half of the inning. Zerkle scored on a throwing error while Fischer knocked in Hayward on a groundout to third base.
WAYYYY OUTTA HERE 🫡
— Athletes Unlimited (@AUProSports) June 18, 2022
Let us know if you find @amandalorenz18’s homerun ball, that one might have left the state 😳#AUX | 📺: ESPNU pic.twitter.com/v3cFNO2oQz
The game’s final run came off Lorenz’s moonshot in the sixth inning to keep it close. However, righty Sydney Littlejohn Watkins picked up the save for Team Fischer to win it.
Lefty Danielle O’Toole was dominant in the circle as she threw five innings, allowing one unearned run on three hits. The member of Team Mexico in the 2020 Olympics was the MVP 1 for her efforts. Finally, Zerkle gets another MVP honor as she was the MVP 3 in this game, getting hits. All in all, Team Fischer won games of their doubleheader.
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