Dons' power surge continues in loss

SOFTBALL: Dons vs. Guachos.
GAME DATE: March-13-2013.

– Dons fall by one run, as Guachos catcher misses cycle by a home run.

The Dons added two home runs Wednesday, to an already record-breaking season in a 7-6 loss to visiting Saddleback College.

“They put up a tough fight and came out strong in the last inning,” Saddleback catcher McRae Cayton said.

Back-to-back walks to Dons starting catcher Vanessa Moreno and designated player Devon Rodriquez set up a three-run home run for first baseman Sabrina Perez. Gauchos’ righty Tiffany McCracken retired the next three batters in order to end the game.

Santa Ana College was trailing 3-0 before Perez hit a two-run home run in the bottom of the first inning to make the game 3-2 Saddleback.

“We know whenever we play Santa Ana that it will be a real battle,” said Gauchos Head Coach Nick Trani. “We are absolutely pleased to come out on top because they are a quality opponent.”

In the top of the seventh Cayton hit a triple to right field. Shortstop Sydney Abounassar knocked in Cayton with a single to right field. Cayton finished the game with one single, a double and two triples which was a home run shy of the cycle.

Saddleback takes the season series from the Dons to improve their record to 4-5 in conference, while the Dons fall to 13-6, 3-4 in conference.

Chantal Oelrich (7-5) suffered the loss for the Dons allowing seven runs, on 10 hits over seven innings. McCracken (5-2) threw a complete game in the win, allowing six runs on seven hits over seven innings.

Next game for the Dons will be on Friday at Riverside starting at 2 p.m.