Two Dons tie home run record

DONS’ SOFTBALL:

With one swing, freshman first baseman Sabrina Perez broke one thing and tied another.

Her three-run, go-ahead shot April 8 capped a quick come-from-behind victory against visiting Golden West College, 7-4. Her eighth home run also tied a school record, a feat her teammate achieved over the weekend.

Sophomore starting pitcher Devon Rodriguez’s three-run home run Friday finished off a three-inning explosion that allowed the Dons to cruise vs. Saddleback College, 10-0.

Perez was nonchalant over her achievement, and was more relieved to salvage what appeared to be a lost game.

“We got the win, and this afternoon we showed that we don’t give up,” Perez said.

The Dons trailed 4-0 in the first inning after Rodriguez allowed the Rustlers’ first six batters to reach base.

Determined to extend a five-game win streak, freshman Heather Robertson sliced Golden West’s lead in half with a two-run home run that also scored sophomore utility fielder Becky Poirer in the second inning.

In the bottom of the third, outfielder Genna Main reached on a single, but was called out after utility fielder Alexandra Perkins grounded into a fielder’s choice. Catcher Karina Rosas reached on a fielder’s choice, but Perkins was called safe at second after a throwing error.

Perez, who grounded into a double play in the first inning, stepped to the plate, watched as starting pitcher Kiley Eskridge threw a wild pitch that advanced Perkins to third, and then sent the next offering to left-center that put the Dons ahead for good, 5-4. Shelly Tait had owned sole possession of the record since 2011.

“You always have to expect to see a homerun,” Co-Head Coach Jessica Rapoza said.

GWC freshman Kiley Eskridge (4-10) pitched four innings while allowing five runs, four earned, on six hits. She walked two, struck out two, and gave up two home runs.

Rodriguez recovered after the first inning shelling, and finished the game while holding the Rustlers scoreless. She allowed seven hits, while walking four and striking out one.

Perkins added a pair of runs with a double that scored Robertson and outfielder Eryn Martinez.

The Dons continue Orange Empire Conference play Tuesday against Fullerton College on the road. First pitch is scheduled for 3 p.m.