Del Mar had already won four in a row (a stretch where they outscored their opponents by an average of 17.5 runs), and they went ahead and made it five on Friday. They narrowly escaped with a win as the squad sidled past the Gunderson Grizzlies 8-6. Despite the victory, that was the fewest runs Del Mar has scored all season.
Natalie Dixon was a major factor no matter where she played. She struck out ten batters over seven innings while giving up four earned (and two unearned) runs off seven hits (and not a single walk). Dixon has been consistent recently: she hasn't pitched less than five innings in four consecutive pitching appearances. Dixon was also big at the plate, scoring two runs while going 3-for-4.
In other batting news, Meher Singh was incredible, getting on base in three of her four plate appearances with a triple, two RBI, and a run. Another player making a difference was Niarah Aimonetti, who scored two runs and stole a base.
Like Del Mar, Gunderson also got a great game from a two-way player: Alanna Martinez Poklong. She looked comfortable on the mound, striking out eight batters over six innings while giving up three earned (and five unearned) runs off six hits. Martinez Poklong was also solid in the batter's box, scoring a run and stealing two bases while going 2-for-3.
In other batting news, Breanna Bartek made the most of her time at bat despite the final result and scored two runs and stole two bases while going 3-for-4.
Del Mar's win bumped their record up to 15-1. As for Gunderson, their loss ended a three-game streak of away wins and brought them to 12-4.
Del Mar will head out on the road to square off against Independence at 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday. Del Mar is looking to tack on another W to their seven-game streak on the road. As for Gunderson, they will be playing in front of their home fans against San Jose at 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday. Gunderson is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 16.4 runs per game this season.
Article generated by infoSentience based on data entered on MaxPreps
