The Bulldog softball team welcomed the Cardinals of Plattsburgh State University (NY) to the Field of Dreams on Thursday for a non-conference doubleheader.  With a solid offensive effort and effective pitching, Redlands prevailed with scores of 4-2 and 5-1.

After giving up a two-run home run in the second inning, followed by a second error in the third, Redlands settled down into impressive play that resulted in five shut-out innings for the Cardinals.  The Bulldogs capitalized on opportunity in the bottom of the third by scoring three runs on four singles and two sacrifices.  The Bulldogs later gained an insurance run as sophomore center fielder Kayla Peterson (San Jose, CA) moved around the bases on a single bunt, a stolen base, and a walk, and then scored on a passed ball.

From the mound, senior Katie Brnca (Riverside, CA) pitched seven innings, scattering four hits while striking out six.  Offensively, Peterson was 2-for-3 with two runs scored while four different players provided RBI in the 4-2 victory.

In the second game, Redlands opened the scoring in the bottom of the first with one run and then quickly gained four more in the second inning to put the game out of reach for the Cardinals.  Peterson remained steady for the Bulldogs, earning three RBI on a double down the left field line.  Overall, the team garnered only six hits but made the most of Plattsburgh’s four errors.  Sophomore Olivia Ellis (Colfax, CA) provided a solid day from the mound, striking out seven while allowing only three hits.

The Bulldogs (18-2) return to Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SCIAC) action on Saturday with a 12 noon doubleheader at home against the Sagehens of Pomona-Pitzer Colleges.