ELLENSBURG, Wash. - With the second game locked in a pitchers' duel at 1-1 heading into the seventh inning, Corrie Wilson sparked the Saints' bats with the go-ahead three run home run to begin a 12 run frame and a critical split with Central Washington on Sunday.

Game One

Central Washington (32-8, 19-3 GNAC) jumped out to an early lead in the bottom of the first on a two RBI single from shortstop McDaniels. The Wildcats added to their lead in the third on a fielder's choice that drove home a run. 

The Saints (20-14, 12-8) got on the board on the fourth inning, responding after a single from Sabrina Hicks and an error by the Wildcats allowed Jackie Schmaeling to score. Kim Nelson tied the game at 3-3 later in the inning on a single to center field, scoring both Wilson and Hicks. With runners on the corners, Alyssa Slate stole second, forcing a throw from the catcher, allowing Emily Baca to score and the Saints took a 4-3 lead.

However, Central struck back swiftly in the form of a grand slam from clean-up hitter Julia Reuble to reclaim the lead at 7-4 after four innings.

Saint Martin's scored one run in the fifth on a fielding error by the Wildcats but ultimately fell 9-5.

Nelson (10-7) picked up the loss after pitching a complete game where she gave up nine runs, seven earned on 12 hits while striking out one.

Game Two

The Saints claimed an early lead in the first inning after Lindsay Miller scored on a wild pitch. CWU knotted the game at 1-1 in the bottom half of the first on a RBI double from McDaniels.

The game remained gridlocked over the next five innings, until the seventh and final inning. Corrie Wilson, with two runners on, connected for her third home run of the season, to break the tie and kicked-off a 12 run inning. RBI doubles from Nicki DeHan, L. Miller, Hicks and Alyssa French highlighted the 12 run inning, the most runs the Saints have scored in a single inning all year. Mary Dettling Schmaeling and Tessani Dixon each added RBI singles to round out the inning.

CWU rallied for four runs in the bottom half of the inning, centered around two doubles but Saint Martin's held on to win 12-5 to split the day.

Lauren Maley (6-2) pitched a complete game, giving up five runs, three earned on 10 hits with two strike outs.

"It was a real offensive day for both teams," said head coach Rick Noren. "Lauren Maley threw a solid second game and the defense let both her and Kim (Nelson) down a little today. We will need to play better defense tomorrow against a strong Central team. Hopefully we can carry the offensive momentum into the games tomorrow".

Up Next: The Saints will complete the four-game series against Central Washington tomorrow, April 24th. Live stats and video will be available for both games.