Photo by Baylor Athletics
Baylor Softball
Softball: Lady Bears Face Arizona for College World Series Bid
The 15th seeded Lady Bears (47-13) trailed 2nd seeded Arizona (52-8) 4-2 headed to the bottom of the 6th inning last night in an elimination game. After a strong pitching performance by sophomore Taylor McQuillin, the Wildcats handed the ball off to their ace senior Danielle O'Toole. O'Toole came into the game with a 30-4 record and an ERA around 1.00.
The Lady Bears received some timely hitting from the bottom of their batting lineup. The 7-9 spots of Jessie Scroggins, Sydney Christensen and Taylor Ellis came up big at key times (5-9 with all 5 of Baylor's credited RBIs). Christensen (Baylor's catcher) redeemed a few fielding mistakes that helped Arizona build a 4-2 lead by delivering a clutch double to tie the game in the bottom of the 6th. Taylor Ellis brought two more home with a bloop double that gave the Lady Bears the lead at 6-4.
In the top of the 7th, Baylor Coach Glenn Moore decided to leave his starting pitcher Kelsee Selman in despite a pitch count of around 110. The gamble paid off despite a lead off single by Arizona to start the inning. Selman retired the next 3 batters to get the Bears into the final deciding game tonight at 6pm CST on ESPN2 with a final score of Baylor 6 Arizona 4. The winner of the game will be one of 8 teams in the College World Series next weekend in Oklahoma City.
Gia Rodoni (17-3) who pitched two no hitters for the Lady Bears last weekend is well rested if Moore decides to go with his talented sophomore on the mound for game 3. Arizona will likely turn to senior Daniel O'Toole who has been one of the best pitchers in the nation despite giving up 4 runs in relief in game 2.
The Lady Bears received some timely hitting from the bottom of their batting lineup. The 7-9 spots of Jessie Scroggins, Sydney Christensen and Taylor Ellis came up big at key times (5-9 with all 5 of Baylor's credited RBIs). Christensen (Baylor's catcher) redeemed a few fielding mistakes that helped Arizona build a 4-2 lead by delivering a clutch double to tie the game in the bottom of the 6th. Taylor Ellis brought two more home with a bloop double that gave the Lady Bears the lead at 6-4.
In the top of the 7th, Baylor Coach Glenn Moore decided to leave his starting pitcher Kelsee Selman in despite a pitch count of around 110. The gamble paid off despite a lead off single by Arizona to start the inning. Selman retired the next 3 batters to get the Bears into the final deciding game tonight at 6pm CST on ESPN2 with a final score of Baylor 6 Arizona 4. The winner of the game will be one of 8 teams in the College World Series next weekend in Oklahoma City.
Gia Rodoni (17-3) who pitched two no hitters for the Lady Bears last weekend is well rested if Moore decides to go with his talented sophomore on the mound for game 3. Arizona will likely turn to senior Daniel O'Toole who has been one of the best pitchers in the nation despite giving up 4 runs in relief in game 2.
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