The Quick Story: Catcher Kayla Kowalik drove in the game-winning run with a bases loaded single in the bottom of the seventh inning as Team Lorenz (2-0) rallied to earn its second straight win, a 3-2 Athletes Unlimited Softball League All-Star Cup victory over Team Ocasio (0-2) at Ting Stadium on Monday evening.
Key Moment: After falling behind by a 2-1 margin in the fourth inning, Team Lorenz plated two runs in the bottom of the seventh inning to secure the walk-off victory. Infielder Danieca Coffey opened the frame with a single up the middle before scoring on a double by pitcher Rachel Garcia to tie the game. Infielder Bri Ellis, who entered the game as a pinch hitter, was hit by a pitch before outfielder Amanda Lorenz was intentionally walked two batters later to load the bases. Kowalik followed by hitting a 2-0 pitch through the left side to bring home the game-winning run.
Close Calls: Three of the first four games in the AUSL All-Star Cup competition have been decided by one run after Monday’s result.
Leaderboard Update: Pitcher Rachel Garcia stands atop the leaderboard with 458 points heading into Wednesday’s doubleheader, while Kowalik moves to second place with 380 points. Pitchers Lexi Kilfoyl and Sarah Willis round out the top four positions with 354 points and 350 points, respectively.
Team Ocasio Notes
- Team Ocasio initiated a captain’s challenge in the top of the seventh inning after outfielder Morgan Zerkle was called out on a sacrifice bunt attempt … The challenge was unsuccessful after the call was upheld.
- Team Ocasio was an impressive 9-for-16 in advancement opportunities, but were just 2-for-13 with runners on base.
- Captain Aleshia Ocasio tossed 3.0 innings and scattered five hits while surrendering just one run … She also went 2-for-3 at the plate with an RBI double to earn MVP 3 accolades and 106 leaderboard points.
- Middle infielder Tiare Jennings led Team Ocasio with a three-hit performance, including an RBI single in the first inning, while scoring one of Team Ocasio’s two runs.
- Middle infielder Aubrey Leach registered her first hit of the All-Star Cup with a single up the middle in the first inning.
- Pitcher Emma Lemley (0-1) suffered the loss after surrendering two runs on three hits with one strikeout in 3.1 innings of relief.
Team Ocasio’s Next Game: Wednesday, August 6 vs. Team Corrick (Greenville, N.C.) | 4 p.m. ET
Team Lorenz Notes
- Team Lorenz initiated a captain’s challenge in the bottom of the seventh inning on a groundout by outfielder Victoria Hayward (fair or foul) … The challenge was unsuccessful after the call was upheld.
- Team Lorenz finished 5-for-15 in advancement opportunities with a 4-for-14 success rate with runners on base … In addition, the squad’s lead-off hitters reached base safely in 5-for-7 innings..
- Utility player Kayla Kowalik earned MVP 1 laurels after her walk-off single in the bottom of the seventh inning … She went 3-for-4 with an RBI to finish with a game-high 190 leaderboard points.
- Pitcher Rachel Garcia entered the game in the sixth inning and allowed just one hit with a strikeout to earn MVP 2 status and 184 leaderboard points … She moved her All-Star Cup record to 2-0 and has allowed only two hits in 9.0 innings through her first two appearances.
- Corner infielder Delanie Wisz belted her first home run of the AUSL All-Star Cup with a solo shot in the second inning … She has posted a 1-for-3 effort in each of her first two games.
- Middle infielder Hannah Flippen claimed Defensive MVP honors in the victory.
- Outfielder Victoria Hayward tallied a pair of singles for Team Lorenz after going 0-for-3 in Saturday’s victory over Team Corrick.
- Pitcher Keilani Ricketts did not factor in the decision, but allowed one run on three hits over 3.0 innings with three strikeouts in her first appearance of the All-Star Cup.
Team Lorenz’s Next Game: Wednesday, August 6 vs. Team Kilfoyl (Greenville, N.C.) | 7 p.m. ET
