Imperial softball takes close game in pitching duel with Yuma Catholic
A matchup between two of the Desert Southwest's best pitchers proved to live up to the hype, with the Tigers doing just enough to get the win
YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) - When it comes to softball pitching matchups, the Desert Southwest may not get a better one this season.
Imperial (13-3) took down Yuma Catholic (9-1) 2-1 on Wednesday handing the Lady Shamrocks their first non-tournament loss of the season.
Senior pitcher Jayden Rutledge got the start for Imperial against Yuma Catholic senior Cherish Trujillo, both two of the region's top throwers, something both ladies proved in Wednesday's game.
Rutledge threw nine strikeouts in a complete game effort, giving up only one earned run.
Trujillo nearly matched Rutledge's effort, also going seven innings with two punch-outs, until a Tigers' RBI in the top of the seventh proved to be the game winner.
The win is the second straight for Imperial, who will look to make it three in a row when they host Palo Verde on Friday.
As for Yuma Catholic, they'll look to put the loss behind them quickly, as they are already back in action Thursday to face Highland Prep on the road.
