Softball Wins Second in a Row Behind Hatch

News

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Junior pitcher Arden Hatch pitched the Troubies to a victory for the second consecutive game this week as St. Francis defeated Grant 14-1 Thursday.

“I was sticking to what I know and the pitches that work for me,” said Hatch. “I was keeping the ball off the plate and keeping the batters off balance, mixing in different pitches.”

Hatch threw six innings, allowing just one run (unearned) on two hits with a career-high 13 strikeouts, equaling her total from her entire sophomore season.

“Arden has been throwing great,” said Head Coach Kevin Warren. “She has good control of her pitches and good control of the strike zone all night. It was a nice two outings for her.”

It was her second win of the week after allowing just one hit to Monterey Trail on Tuesday in an 11-1 win.

“It feels really nice to contribute and go into the second half of the season with two wins,” said Hatch. “We really want to keep rolling into next week and two games we really have to win to get in the 3-4 spot in the league.”

The Troubies had to overcome a curve ball before the game. With most of the player already at Grant for the away game, the game was moved to St. Francis. The players returned to SF and actually followed the Grant bus back to campus.

“It was nice to come home and play at St. Francis on a field you know,” said Hatch.

The late change did not affect Hatch or her teammates. The Troubies jumped out for three runs in the top of the first and four in the second to take control of the game, SF scored in five of the six innings before run-ruling the Pacers after six innings.

Freshman Daniella Guerrera led the team with a 4-for-4 night at the plate, while sister Gabbi went 3-for-4 for three RBI. Abby Konigfeld had a career-high tying two hits in a 2-for-3 game. Sydney Littles, Makayla Scott and Chloe Smith also had multi-hit games.