TUCSON, Arizona – The Southwestern Pirates defeated the Baldwin Wallace Yellow Jackets 2-1 in a close game on Tuesday afternoon.
The Bucs' first run of the game came in the bottom of the 3rd inning. Linsay Biggers led off with a walk and advanced to second on a ground out by Abigail O'Connor. She moved to third on a bunt single by Karen Ramirez. Biggers scored on a ground out to second base by Ashleigh Scott to put Southwestern up 1-0.
O'Connor scored in the 5th after reaching base on a fielder's choice. Ramirez brought her home on a single to give the Pirates a 2-0 lead.
Baldwin Wallace made the game interesting in the last inning. Kaity Mullen singled to left field with one out. Mackenzie Brua came into the game to pinch run for Mullen. Pitcher Kelsey Kingston got Brittany Lightel to fly out to right field for out number two. Then Nikki Peskura followed with a clean single to left field. However, the ball got by the left fielder and allowed Brua to score. Representing the tying run, Peskura continued to leg out the play and headed for home. The throw came in from left field and the tag was made at the plate and preserved the 2-1 victory for the Pirates.
Kelsey Kingston (7-1) threw a complete game gem for Southwestern. She struck out five and allowed only one unearned run in the win. The Pirates were led offensively by Karen Ramirez, who went 2-3 and drove in a run. Southwestern moves to 11-7 on the year and Baldwin Wallace to 3-2.
The Pirates continue play in Tucson, Arizona tomorrow as they face Marian (Wis.) starting at 1:00pm