TEMPE, Ariz. - The Western Michigan softball team picked up its first win of the 2013 season in dramatic fashion as Sabrina Gamboa's fourth-inning home run helped the Broncos to a 3-2 victory over Cal Poly in eight innings.
The Mustangs entered Friday's game 1-0 after defeating New Mexico in walk-off fashion on day one of the Kajikawa Classic but the Broncos made sure they didn't make it two in a row, coming from two runs down to take it in extra innings.
Elisha Handshoe began the rally with a lead off double in the third inning and pinch runner Jenny Rohn scored on a wild pitch. Gamboa's first collegiate home run came on a 1-1 offering and sailed over the center field wall to tie the score at two runs apiece.
Playing according to international rules, Christina Pigozzi was placed on second base to start the bottom of the eighth inning. Gamboa laid down a sacrifice bunt to advance Pigozzi to third and Mackenzie Shepeck wasted little time in ending the game. She pulled a 1-0 pitch through the right side of the infield to plate Pigozzi for the 3-2 win.
Freshman Allyson Kus worked five scoreless innings, giving up just two hits to earn the first win of her collegiate career. Becca Shemberger worked the eighth inning, allowing a pair of walks, to earn the first save of her career.
The Broncos capped the night against 2012 NCAA Tournament participant Kentucky, falling in five innings by the score, 12-1.
WMU scored its lone run in the top of the second. Caity Pixley led off the frame with a single to right field followed by Loren Nagy's first career double. Two batters later Marleen Rodriguez scored pinch runner Colleen Lynch on a base hit through the right side.
Gamboa continued her hot start at the plate with a double down the right field line in the fifth.
Melissa Palmer had the best day at the plate, going 3-for-4 against Cal Poly. Shepeck collected a pair of hits against the Mustangs as did Rodriguez.
Through three games this season, Western Michigan has yet to play a regulation seven-inning game, having played two five inning contests and one eight inning tilt.
WMU continues play at the Kajikawa Classic on Saturday against San Diego State at 11:30 a.m. MT and close out the day against tournament host No. 4 Arizona State. Follow @WMUSoftball for updates throughout the weekend.
