Hawks soar over Dons

SOFTBALL: SAC vs. Santiago Canyon.
GAME DATE: Friday, March-1-2013.

Before throwing a single pitch Friday, visiting Santiago Canyon College figured out sophomore righty Devon Rodriguez.

“We had a game plan for Devon. She was our teammate last season and that played in our favor,” said Hannah Romanski, Hawks third baseman.

Romanski crushed the first pitch she saw from Rodriguez for a two-run home run in the top of the first inning, foreshadowing the Dons’ 8-4 loss to sister college SCC.

“The pitch was down the middle,” Romanski said.

The Hawks’ bats continued to square up Rodriguez’s offerings. The first five Hawks reached base in the third, as four runs scored.

Romanski hit an RBI sacrifice fly to add another run in the fourth, giving SCC a 7-0 lead.

Rodriguez finished the day throwing 3 1/3 innings, allowing seven runs, six earned, on six hits and two walks.

“They had a good idea of who I am as a pitcher,” Rodriguez said.

In the bottom of the fourth inning the Dons rallied. The first three batters reached before catcher Vanessa Moreno hit a bases loaded RBI single. SAC scored three runs to make the score 7-3. The Dons added another run in the sixth but the Hawks responded with a run in the top of the seventh.

Sophomore reliever Josie Tucker put the Dons down in order in the bottom of the seventh to end the game.

The Dons play Tuesday at Citrus College, 2:30 p.m.