LOS ANGELES – An error proved costly for Bethune-Cookman on Thursday, as Harvard scored a walk-off win off against the Wildcats in the bottom of the eighth inning at Smith Field. The game was part of the LMU/Muscle Milk Softball Invitational hosted by Loyola Marymount University.
After Bethune-Cookman (6-21) came up empty on its at-bat in the top of the eighth inning, Harvard got its chance in the bottom of the frame.
Pinch runner Melissa Lacro advanced to third on a sac bunt from teammate Maddy Kaplan. That allowed Katherine Appelbe to plate Lacro with a throwing error charged to the B-CU infield, giving the Crimson a walk-off 2-1 victory in the extra-inning affair.
Harvard (5-10) was first to score in the contest in the home-half of the fourth inning.
A two-out rally began with Andrea Del Conte's single to right center, later advancing into scoring position with a stolen base. One play later, she was plated off the bat of Adrienne Hume, who collected a RBI single to right field.
That put the Crimson up, 1-0.
Bethune-Cookman countered in the top-half of the fifth.
Junior catcher Melissa Berouty began the inning being hit by a pitch, allowing Wanda Darby to pinch run for the Redondo Beach, California native. Darby advanced into scoring position with Breanna Chavez's sac bunt. Centerfielder Mariah Davis, one of 10 Wildcats returning to their home state of California for LMU/Muscle Milk Softball Invitational, crossed Darby with a RBI groundout to second.
Darby's run knotted the game at 1-all.
B-CU pitcher Sabrina Anguiano, a native of Hacienda Heights, California, settled in by not allowing a single hit through her final four frames in the circle.
However, Anguiano suffered the loss as she worked the complete game. She spread out five hits, allowed just two runs (one earned) and walked two with one strikeout. With the loss, she dropped her record to 3-17 on the year.
The win went to Harvard's Laura Ricciardone who improved to 3-4 on the year. She tossed all eight innings, allowing one run on five hits and striking out four batters.
The B-CU offense was paced by Calesha Shelley and Davis, each registering two hits – including the RBI from Davis. Shortstop Sophia Ortega also grabbed a hit on the day.
Five Crimson players recorded hits for Harvard, adding Appelbe's RBI.
Bethune-Cookman returns to the field Friday, March 20, once again facing Harvard at 9 a.m. PST. The Wildcats will follow that contest with a matchup against host Loyola Marymount at 3 p.m. PST. Follow all the action at the LMU/Muscle Milk Softball Invitational by clicking here.
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