TWIN FALLS, Idaho - The College of Southern Idaho Softball Team gained momentum late in game one and carried it into game two to earn the split Friday and sole possession of first place in the Scenic West Athletic Conference race. The Golden Eagles fells to Salt Lake CC 15-13 in game one before beating the Bruins 8-7 on a walk-off hit by Tristin Evans in the bottom of the eighth to take game two.
The Golden Eagles used the long ball in the first game to stay in it, finishing the game with five home runs. Trailing 15-8 heading into the bottom of the seventh, CSI rallied, closing within two on a Siearrah Anderson grand slam. But the comeback fell short.
Evans finished the game 2-for-2 with two RBI and a home run. Hailey Hicks was 1for-3 with a home run. Nicole Renner and Melanie Groenewegen also each had home runs in the game.
CSI did not hit a home run in game two but used base hits to score runs. The Golden Eagles led 7-5 going into the seventh inning. But a couple walks and hits tied it up. The Golden Eagles went down in order to send the game to the eighth.
Stefani Zimmerman retired all three Salt Lake batters in the top of the eighth to set up the game winner.
Renner walked and Groenewegen singled off the pitcher's leg. After a pop out and strike out, Evans came to the plate. The lefty crushed the ball to right center to score Sherry Boone who was running for Renner to win the game.
Evans was 3-for-5 with 3 RBI. Hicks was 2-for-3 and Groenewegen and Batchelor were each 2-for-4.
Zimmerman earned the win in the circle, going all eight innings and giving up seven earned runs on 11 hits with six strikeouts.
CSI, now 30-8 overall and 20-4 in SWAC play, host Snow College Friday and Saturday.