Errors Prove Costly in Dons 11-0 Loss to San Diego Mesa College

Chantal Oelrich drives a ball up in the middle in the Dons game against San Diego Mesa College.
Chantal Oelrich drives a ball up in the middle in the Dons game against San Diego Mesa College.

SANTA ANA - Despite the ball never leaving the infield, the Dons fell behind 6-0 after the first inning after committing five errors before going on to lose to San Diego Mesa College 11-0 in six innings. The loss was the Dons first of the season after winning their season opener. Mesa, on the other hand, picked up the win in its first game of the season.

After recording the first out on just two pitches, the Dons went on to commit five errors while allowing two infield hits before recording their second out. By then, however, it was already 6-0 before the Dons even dug into the batter's box.

When they did get to the plate, the Dons had their first 11 batters retired in order. Their first hit, a double by Danielle Hernandez, fell just outside the infield dirt and was nearly caught by the defense before falling safely to the dirt.

The Dons only other hit of the game came in the fifth inning when Eryn Martinez singled to left field. She was out on the next play, however, when the Dons hit into an inning-ending double play.

Mesa had one more big inning left as the Olympians plated five runs on six hits in the sixth inning. When it was all said and done, the Dons gave up 11 runs on 12 hits while committing six errors. Mesa got the shutout win after holding SAC to no hits while not committing a single error.

On the mound, Chantal Oelrich took the loss with just five of the 11 runs being earned. Her counterpart, Laura Nelson, allowed two hits over six innings with six strikeouts to earn her first win of the season.

The Dons travel to Santa Barbara City College on Saturday, February 2 with the first pitch at 11:00 a.m.