FULLERTON, Calif. - For the second straight game the Titans went to extra innings against a Power 5 School but the Titans were on the wrong end this time as they fell 2-1 against the University of Michigan to start the Judi Garman Classic in eight innings.
It was a hard fought pitching duel between the Titan's (9-7) Myka Sutherlin and Wolverines (9-8) Lauren Derkowski as both pitchers traded zeros through the regulation seven innings. Both teams pushed across their only runs of the game in extra innings with the ghost runner rule in effect.
Sutherlin went the distance and tossed eight innings and allowed two runs (one earned) on five hits, three walks, and 11 strikeouts. Derkowski also pitched a complete game and allowed just one run (unearned) on four hits, one walk, and 14 punch outs. Both pitchers threw over 120 pitches in the game.
The Titans defense had an exemplary game making multiple defensive highlights. Myka Sutherlin and Alexia Lopez combined for two, Strike 'em out, Throw 'em out double plays.
M6 | The Titans get their second strike 'em out throw 'em out of the game!#TusksUp pic.twitter.com/5KBtLYFVP5
— Titans Softball (@Fullerton_SB) March 3, 2023
There was also another defensive web gem when a line drive tipped off Hannah Becerra's glove and Peyton Toto was able to make the diving snag mid air to get the out.
A hard hit line drive bounces off Becerra's glove and Peyton Toto is there to catch it in the air for the out!��#TusksUp pic.twitter.com/YZe3cSi8P0
— Titans Softball (@Fullerton_SB) March 3, 2023
The Titans had their best chance to win the game in regulation after Hannah Becerra started the inning with a leadoff walk. She got to second and third on a wild pitch and passed ball and was at third base with no one out. However, Derkowski was able to strike out the side and leave Becerra stranded at third to end the inning.
The Wolverines scored two in the eighth. After getting two outs with runners on third and second. Lexie Blair hit a short bloop single to left field that scored two runs as Sablan's throw was offline and bounced away from the catcher.
The Titans would get one run back in the bottom half of the inning. Kika Ramirez had a pinch hit single to put runners on the corners. Down to their last strike, Megan Delgadillo hit a slow dribbler to the pitcher that she couldn't make a play on that scored one run.
B8 | Delgadillo hits a slow dribbler that the pitcher can't make a play on to bring one run in to make it a 2-1 game!#TusksUp pic.twitter.com/vEn3cCsBF5
— Titans Softball (@Fullerton_SB) March 3, 2023
However, Neil would strike out and be the 14th Derkowski punchout victim of the night to give the victory to the Wolverines.
The Titans will take on San Jose State tomorrow night at 7:30 PM for the second day of the Judi Garman Classic.
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