Riverside, Calif. - Brianna Gutierrez launched a walk-off 3-run homerun over the leftfield fence, to lead her team to a sweep of today's doubleheader versus Midland University (Neb.). She finished the day with six RBI's through the two games.
The Golden Eagles started the day off with an 8-2 win over the Warriors. The team jumped out to an early 2-0 lead and never trailed in the game. La Sierra answered every comeback attempt by Midland, by scoring in every inning except for the second inning.
Berlyn Benavides, Mercedes Gasparovic, Katie Witherby, and Gutierrez all had two hits in the Game 1 victory. Gutierrez led the team with three RBI's in the game, with Gasparovic, Witherby, and Rylie Ruckle each adding an RBI of their own.
Starting pitcher Vanessa Froussine pitched a complete game, giving up two runs (one earned) on six hits, with four strikeouts and three walks.
Game 2 was a see-saw affair that saw the Warriors jump out to an early 3-0 lead with three runs in the first inning. La Sierra pulled even with a run in the first, followed by two runs in the second inning. But Midland recaptured the lead with a run in the third inning.
The Warriors maintained their lead over the next two innings and eventually added to their lead with two runs in the sixth inning (6-3). But as they had done all day, the Golden Eagles answered right back with a sacrifice-fly by Genifer Garbellini that scored Brittany Martinez who reached base on a hit-by-pitch and advanced to third base on Witherby's double.
With the lead cut to 6-4, the stage was now set for Gutierrez who connected for her first collegiate homerun, scoring Melanie Vidaurri and Mercedes Gasparovic. It was the only hit of the game for the sophomore catcher, but one she will remember for the rest of her life.
Garbellini was a perfect 2-for-2 with an RBI in Game 2, while centerfielder Berlyn Benavides also connected for two hits and an RBI in the winning effort. Capping off the memorable day for Gutierrez, she matched her total from Game 1, with three more RBI's in the Game 2 win.
The Golden Eagles pitched by committee in Game 2 with Gasparovic (3) and Garbellini (2.1) pitching the first 5-plus innings. Froussine pitched the final 1 2/3 innings to pick up her second win of the day and her sixth of the season.
The Golden Eagles are now 6-20 on the season and will take the week off for final exams. The team will be back in action on Monday, March 23, when they host Columbia College (Mo.).
