LAKE WALES, Fla. — The Ave Maria Softball team took a late lead Friday afternoon in their series opener against the Warner Royals. Unfortunately, a big bottom of the sixth put Warner on top as the Gyrenes fell 4-2.
Friday opened as a pitcher's duel, with great pitching from both sides as the game remained scoreless for the first four innings. In the circle for the Gyrenes, Kaedyn Sutton allowed just three runners in the first four frames. In the top halves of the innings, the Gyrenes were having just as hard a time as they 12-up, 12-down.
In the top of the fifth, Genevieve Peterson broke up the perfect game going against the Gyrenes with a two-out single. Karsyn Moore then smacked a double to left field, scoring Peterson, and putting Ave Maria up 1-0.
In the bottom of the sixth frame, the Royal bats woke up. Warner scored all four of their runs in the frame as they cycled through their batting lineup. The second out of the inning was a sacrifice fly that brought home the tying run. Warner was then able to bring three home three more runs before the Gyrenes could get the final out.
In the final frame, the Gyrenes had an opportunity to rally. With two outs on the board, Kaitlyn O'Neill singled to right field, bringing home Peterson for her second run of the day. Mia Mazzolini then singled as well, putting tying run aboard. Unfortunately, the rally ended there as a ground out stranded the two runners and ended the game 4-2.
At the plate Peterson led the Gyrene with two hits and a season high of two runs scored. O'Neill and Mazzolini also added two hits and an RBI.
On the mound, Sutton pitched for five innings, recording a strikeout and gave up six hits. Noelani Sokolik relieved Sutton and recorded a strikeout as well.
With the loss, the Gyrene record falls to 5-23 overall and 1-15 in the conference.
The series concludes Saturday, April 11, with a doubleheader between the Gyrenes and Royals. With eight games remaining on the schedule, the Gyrenes need a couple of wins against Warner to stay alive in the Sun Conference tournament conversation. First pitch of the first game is set for noon. Both games will be streamed live on the Urban Edge Network.
