MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. – Meghan Riddle hit a walk-off single to score Jessica Matias as St. Thomas (13-15, 2-1 The Sun Conference) defeated Ave Maria (17-13, 3-3 TSC) 2-1 in game two of a doubleheader Saturday afternoon at Bobcat Field.  Ave Maria won the first game 1-0 as the two teams split the conference doubleheader.

With the score 1-1 in the bottom of the seventh, Matias drew a walk with one out before stealing second and advancing to third on a ground out by Amanda Penton.  With two outs, Riddle hit an infield single to score Matias and celebration ensued for the Bobcats who recorded their second walk-off win in conference play.

Starting pitcher Jennifer Acevedo (4-4) earned the win after pitching a complete seven innings, allowing just one run on seven hits with one strikeout and one walk.  

The Bobcats took the lead with a run in the bottom of the first as Matias led off with a triple to right field.   Penton and Riddle each reached base to lead the bases, then with two outs Michelle Murch drew a walk that drove in Matias.  Ave Maria tied the game in the top of third and the score remained tied 1-1 until the walk-off dramatics in the bottom of the seventh.

In game one, the Bobcat offense was stifled by a complete game shutout by Ave Maria's Sadie Mosher (8-8) who allowed just two hits, while striking out four and walking six.  Jessica Castiglione (2-3) was charged with the loss, despite a fantastic performance where she allowed just one run on six hits with one strikeout and three walks over a complete seven innings.  The only run Castiglione was on a bases-loaded hit-by-pitch in the first inning.  She went on to shut out the Gyrenes for six consecutive innings.

St. Thomas returns to action on Sunday for Senior Day with a doubleheader vs. Webber International.   First pitch is set for 1 p.m. preceded by Senior Day ceremonies celebrating the careers of five Bobcat seniors – Carson Catasus, Jessica Matias, Amanda Penton, Cristina Sacramento, and Kristen Scott.

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