NEW CASTLE, Del. - - A seventh inning comeback fell just short for the Wilmington University softball team, as they dropped a Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference make up game against Holy Family, 7-6, on Monday afternoon at Asbury Field.
After falling behind, 3-0, the top of the fifth, the Wildcats scored three runs in the sixth inning but couldn't complete the comeback in leaving the tying run and game-winning run in scoring position in the bottom of the seventh. The Tigers (2-22, 1-9 CACC) scored four times in the top of the seventh to break the 3-3 tie game.
Down 3-0, Alyssa Velasquez started the bottom of the sixth with a leadoff walk. Now with Velasquez on third with two outs, the Wildcats picked up an RBI single from Annie Davila, a single from Lexi Baughman, and a two-run triple to right field by Jordyn Virden to knot the game at three.
But the Tigers answered quickly, putting four on the board in the top of the seventh. A leadoff bunt started the inning and back-to-back doubles brought in the first three runs with one out. Now with two outs, a single kept the inning alive and the Tigers scored on a throwing error on a first and third play, giving the Wildcats a 7-3 lead.
The Wildcats didn't roll over, though, as Jazmeen Llamas started the last inning with a leadoff single. Rosa'Lynn Burton tripled to the gap in left center and came home on a sacrifice fly as Alyssa Velasquez fouled out to left field. With the bases empty and two outs, Lauren Lopez recharged the inning with a double to left center. Makayla McCarthy was hit by a pitch and Annie Davila brought the Wildcats to within a single run with an RBI single to center, 7-6.
But the Tigers' starter Koreen Orozco induced a pop up to shallow right and a long fly ball to right field to end the game, 7-6, with Wildcats on second and third.
Rosa'Lynn Burton with 2-for-4 with a triple while Annie Davila went 2-for-2 with two RBI. Jordyn Virden went 2-for-4 with a triple and two RBI as well.
Makayla McCarthy started the game in the circle for the Wildcats, going 4.2 innings before turning the ball over to Caitlyn Whiteside. Whiteside went 1.2 innings, allowing four runs (three earned) on four hits before McCarthy came back in to close out the seventh.
The Wildcats and Tigers split the regular season CACC series, with the Wildcats winning the opener, 8-5, on April 3 before game two was postponed in the first inning.
The Wildcats return to action on Wednesday when they host USciences in another CACC double-dip at Asbury Field. The first pitch of the doubleheader is scheduled for 2:30 p.m.
