10-Run Fifth Gives Dons 10-2 Win in Final Home Game

Christina McCullogh sent this pitch back to the pitching circle to drive in the go-ahead runs in the Dons 10-2 win over Golden West College.
Christina McCullogh sent this pitch back to the pitching circle to drive in the go-ahead runs in the Dons 10-2 win over Golden West College.

SANTA ANA - One inning was the difference in the Dons 10-2 win over Golden West College as the Dons (16-20, 9-10) completed the season sweep over the Rustlers (6-30, 1-18). After being held scoreless on two hits through four innings, the Dons offense came alive for 10 runs in the fifth inning to end the game via the run rule.

The Rustlers came out with a strong first inning as they brought two runs around on three hits. Taylor Clinkaberry and Bianca Espinoza hit back-to-back doubles as the Rustlers grabbed an early 2-0 lead.

After managing just two singles, by Madison Graham and Hattie Marshall, and one walk through four innings, the Dons sent 14 batters to the plate in the fifth inning while putting together seven hits. Kasey Hutton brought in the Dons first run with a RBI-single before Marshall drew a bases-loaded walk to force in Alexandra Hernandez for the tying run.

Christina McCullogh delivered the go-ahead runs as she hit a two-run single that hit off the pitcher and rolled into right field. From there, Graham hit a RBI-single before Karina Munoz drew another bases-loaded walk to force in McCullogh.

Marissa Moser followed with a two-run single that scored Graham and Mercedes Munoz before an illegal pitch brought in Karina Munoz. Finally, the game came to an end on Desiree Hernandez's RBI-single to centerfield.

Marshall (7-8) got the win in relief as she held the Rustlers scoreless on one hit in 2.2 innings of work. Adrianna Barrera (3-21) took the loss for Golden West as she allowed 10 runs, eight earned, on nine hits over 4.2 innings.