KISSIMMEE, Florida - March 7, 2024 - Hiram softball split its pair of games on Thursday at the Fortune Road Fields, beating Northland (4-2) and falling short to a tough Aurora team (7-3).
The Terriers have won a game on each of their last three days of competition, and limited their opposition to just 1.67 runs per game during those victories.
Game 1 Recap
It was a breakout performance for first-year Hope Sizemore in Game 1, as the West Virginia native pitched a career-high six innings and allowed just three hits, none of which were extra-base hits. Sizemore pitched into the seventh inning before allowing two runs, but performed well enough to earn her first collegiate victory in convincing fashion: 6 IP, 3 H, 2 R/ER, 1 BB, 3 K.
On the offensive end, Hiram recorded a double-digit hit total for the third time in its last four games. Danielle Robles and Darian Kanno each had RBI singles before Angel Santellan brought home Fayth Kawamura on a fielder's choice to give her team a 3-0 lead through three innings.
Larissa Baeza showcased her speed in the fourth inning, as she singled on a bunt, stole second, stole third and eventually scored on an error by the catcher. The insurance run proved to be key in earning Hiram its third win of the year.
Game 2 Recap
Hiram came close to beating an Aurora team that went 27-17 this past season, as it held leads of 1-0 and 3-2 before a five-run inning by the Spartans put the game out of reach. Fayth Kawamura delivered a team-high and season-high three hits, while Darian Kanno struck out six batters in the circle.
The Terriers struck first in the opening frame on a fielder's choice off the bat of Kanno, which brought home Daynna Mekaru. Both starting pitchers would settle into a groove, with Aurora scoring one run in the third and fourth innings but Hiram responding with two runs in the fifth. Angel Santellan and Abriana Schwartz hit back-to-back RBI single to give the team a 3-2 lead.
Aurora would make its move in the sixth, as five straight Spartans student-athletes reached base safely as part of a five-run outburst. Schwartz singled in the top of the seventh, but Hiram couldn't regain momentum in the final inning of play.
What's Next
Hiram will finish its 10-game trip to Florida with more doubleheader action; on Friday, the team will travel to Clermont to take on Gordon (1:30 p.m.) and Chatham (4 p.m.).
