(Portions of this story courtesy of Southwestern University)
SEGUIN, Texas - No. 3 seed Southwestern used a three run fifth inning to erase a two run deficit and come-from-behind to defeat the No. 6 seed Dallas Crusaders by score of 4-3. The Pirates move on to take on Trinity with a spot in the SCAC Championship up for grabs. Box Score | Official Tournament Website
The two teams met on Friday in the second game of the tournament with Southwestern slipping by Dallas, 2-1. Dallas came out strong and posted one run in the top of the first on back-to-back doubles by Erin Begle followed by Lyda Tesauro. Southwestern wasted no time evening the count as Tessa Galloway's double brought home Karen Ramirez to tie the game 1-1 through one.
After scoreless second, third and fourth innings, Dallas posted two runs on a sacrifice fly from Allison Kotlar and a Pirate error to take a 3-1 lead late in the game. Once again Southwestern had the answer and, this time, was one better to take their first lead of the game 4-3.
Southwestern did all their work with two outs in the inning. Linsay Biggers started the rally with a bunt single and Christina Crandall followed with an infield single. A double steal put runners at second and third and they were brought home by RBI singles from Karen Ramirez and Ashley Scott.
The Crusaders advanced a runner to second in the sixth with two outs, but Cozette Palmer got Ciara Stewart to fly out to right field to end the inning. Southwestern loaded the bases with one out but were unable to bring anyone home as the game rolled into the seventh.
Palmer made quick work of the Crusaders in the seventh, needing just four batters to close out the come from behind win, advancing Southwestern further in the elimination bracket.
Palmer allowed three runs, two earned, on five hits while walking three and striking out four to earn the win, her third of the SCAC Championship. Ramirez led at the plate going 3-for-3 with two runs and one RBI in the game.
Lee took the loss despite another solid outing, pitching six complete and allowing four earned runs. Avery Finch led the offense, going 2-for-4 on the afternoon.
