The Cal Poly softball team lost to Hawai’i 3-2 on April 25 after a bases-loaded walk in the bottom of the seventh inning decided the Saturday series finale at Rainbow Wahine Softball Stadium.
The game was significant as it concluded a three-game set, with Cal Poly seeking to avoid a sweep after dropping both games of Friday’s doubleheader. The loss marks another close contest for the Mustangs as they approach the end of their regular season.
Freshman first baseman Myleigh Cooper gave Cal Poly an early advantage by hitting her third home run of the year in the second inning. Senior left fielder Kiara Blanchard added to the lead with a sacrifice fly following sophomore right fielder Maddy Bermudez’s leadoff triple in the fifth inning. Mustang starting junior righthander Ally Robbins kept Hawai’i scoreless through four innings, but third baseman Jamie McGaughey tied it up for Hawai’i with a two-out, two-run single in the bottom of the fifth.
In a tense seventh inning, Cal Poly stranded another baserunner before defensive errors and an intentional walk loaded the bases for Hawai’i. Freshman reliever Kaylee Davis forced one out but then walked Milan Ah Yat on four pitches, bringing home Larisa Goshi for Hawai’i’s winning run.
Cal Poly will conclude its regular season by hosting UC Davis for a doubleheader on Friday, May 1 and a solo matchup on Saturday, May 2. First pitch is scheduled for 1 p.m. each day.
As postseason play approaches, both teams will look to build on their performances from this closely contested series.
