CATHEDRAL CITY – The California softball team (10-4) earned a run-rule victory against Northwestern (6-8), 15-7, after five innings on Sunday at the Big League Dreams Complex in Cathedral City, Calif.
 
The Golden Bears used a seven-run second and fifth inning, including a grand slam from Elon Butler, to secure a come-from-behind victory.
 

Cal fell behind early after the Wildcats earned six runs, including two home runs, to take a 6-1 lead heading into the bottom of the second inning.

The Bears quickly responded by putting seven runs on the board, capped off by a two-RBI hit by Tianna Bell to give Cal an 8-6 lead. During the run, Acacia Anders knocked in an RBI double, while Alyssa Herrera brought in a runner due to a single up the middle of the field.

After a scoreless third inning, the Wildcats tacked on an additional run due to an RBI single by Kaylie Avvisato to cut its deficit to one heading into the fifth inning.

Ashanti McDade retired the side quickly with three straight outs to begin the fifth inning. The Bears loaded the bases quickly as the first three batters reached base. Lagi Quiroga forced a walk to increase the lead to 9-7. In the next at-bat, Elon Butler blasted a ball to straight away center field for a grand slam to give the Bears a commanding lead (13-7). Kaylee Pond hit a double down the right-field line to bring another runner across the home plate. Later in the frame, with the bases loaded, Mia Phillips executed a sacrifice fly to get the game-winning run home.

McDade earned her second win of the season after pitching 3.1 innings, tallying two strikeouts and surrendering only one run and hit.

UP NEXT
Cal will head to Fresno next weekend for a five-game slate at the Fresno State Tournament beginning on Friday against Southern Utah.
 
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