May 20, 2012
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Score: No. 1 Seed Cal 10, Arkansas 2 (Five Innings)
Site: Levine-Fricke Field - Berkeley, Calif.
Records: Cal 53-5, Arkansas 29-27
Top Cal Performers: Frani Echavarria (2 H, 6 RBI)
Next Game: Sunday vs. Arkansas, 5 pm.
BERKELEY - Facing an early end to an already epic season, the No. 1 California softball team beared down to defeat Arkansas 10-2 in five innings to force the "if necessary" game seven. The winner of game seven, which is set to start at 7:10 p.m., will win the Berkeley Regional.
Frani Echavarria was the offensive star for the Golden Bears, driving in six runs off four hits - one of which was a grand slam in the top of the fifth to put the Bears into mercy territory. Danielle Henderson hit a two-run homer in the fourth and Jace Williams was responsible for the other RBI of the day.
Jolene Henderson pitched the five-inning game, striking out five and allowing two earned runs on six hits. Hope McLemore took the loss, moving her record to 2-1, suffering all 10 earned runs.
Though leaving runners stranded proved problematic in the first two innings, in which the Bears left six on, Cal quickly recovered. The Bears scored 10 runs on 13 hits, six walks and one Razorback error.
Top of the Second - Cal 3, Arkansas 0:
Victoria Jones and Jamia Reid both singled through the left side when Britt Vonk laid down a bunt single to third, scoring Jones, then the first baseman dropped the ball, allowing Reid to move to third and Britt to second. Arkansas intentionally walked Arioto, loading the bases for Frani Echavarria, who doubled to right-center.
Bottom of the Third - Cal 3, Arkansas 2:
Mort singled to short and Wallace homered to center, clearing two fences.
Top of the Fourth - Cal 6, Arkansas 2:
Arioto walked on four pitches and went to third when Echavarria doubled down the right-field line. Williams grounded out productively, plating Arioto. Danielle Henderson notched a two-run homer to right-center.
Top of the Fifth - Cal 10, Arkansas 2:
Cheyenne Cordes walked, Jamia Reid and Britt Vonk singled to load the bases for Echavarria, who homered to right field.
Next Time on the Diamond:
The Bears and Razorbacks square off at 7:10 p.m. in an elimination game. The winner of game seven wins the Berkeley Regional and the right to advance to Super Regional play.
