Owls Double-Up Grossmont

Citrus College doubled up Grossmont College Saturday afternoon, winning the first game 5-4 and the second game 4-1. The Owls improved to 24-13 overall, while the Griffins fell to 7-30 overall. 

In the first game, the Owls had eight hits from six different batters. Madelyn Hajj led the way going 3-for-4 from the plate, scored two runs, and hit a home run. Gwendalyn Rivas went 1-for-2 from the plate with two RBIs. Caitlin Kelley was in the circle for the Owls, pitching a complete game and picking up the win.

In their first at-bats, the Owls wasted no time claiming a lead off a sacrifice fly from Samantha Meyndert that scored Rylee Praytor, making the game 1-0. A batter later, Paige Horvat hit an RBI single to right field, scoring Madelyn Hajj and giving the Owls a 2-0 lead.

In the third inning, Madelyn Hajj hit a leadoff home run, giving the Owls a 3-0 lead. It was Hajj's team-leading sixth home run.

Caitlin Kelley and the Owls' defense kept the Griffins scoreless until the fifth inning, where the Griffins posted two runs of their own, making the game 3-2.

In the sixth inning, the Owls responded with two runs of their own as Gwendalyn Rivas stepped to the plate with two outs and the bases loaded. Rivas hit a two-RBI single to left field, scoring Kylie Ruiz and Jasani Zavalza.

In the seventh inning, the Owls did just enough as they allowed two more runs to the Griffins and hung on to a 5-4 victory.

In the second game, the Owls had nine hits from seven different batters. Madelyn Hajj and Jasani Zavalza both had a two-hit game, while Rylee Praytor led the Owls with two RBIs. In the circle for the Owls, Caitlin Kelley picked up her second win of the day, making her record 13-7 on the year. Serena Rodriguez pitched three innings, allowing no runs and earned a save.

In the first inning, Madelyn Hajj continued to have successful at-bats, hitting a two-out double, giving the Owls their first runner in scoring position. Kylie Ruiz then hit an RBI single, scoring Hajj and giving the Owls a 1-0 lead.

After a few innings of scoreless play from both teams, the Owls loaded the bases in the fourth inning, and Rylee Praytor added an RBI on a groundout, making the game 2-0.

The Griffins posted their lone run of the game in the fifth inning, making the game 2-1. In the sixth inning, the Owls responded and added to their lead with another RBI from Rylee Praytor and a sacrifice fly from Desiree Loza, giving the Owls a 4-1 lead.

The Owls cruised to victory and claimed their second win of the day over the Griffins. The Owls will be back in action Monday as they travel to El Camino College for a makeup game. First pitch is set for 2:30 p.m.