Maya Brady’s AUSL Debut Highlights Talons’ 4-1 Victory Behind Sacco and Fouts
Maya Brady Returns, Talons Take Control in Salt Lake City
The inaugural AUSL season rolls on, and tonight brought the Blaze and Talons to Salt Lake City, Utah. The Talons have already punched their ticket to Tuscaloosa, but made it clear they still have business to handle.
The Blaze, who have been playing inspired ball in the second half, were looking to pull one over on the Talons and get out of that outright last place spot.
Georgina Corrick, one of the toughest pitchers in the league to hit since returning from Japan, faced early adversity. She loaded the bases in the first with one out, and Kayla Kowalik drove in Aubrey Leach on a fielder’s choice to give the Blaze a 1-0 lead.
Talons Answer with Speed and Pressure
Sierra Sacco, who has been a spark plug for the Talons all season, opened the bottom of the first with her eighth hit of the year against the Blaze. Maya Brady returned to the lineup and made her presence felt immediately, working a gritty 10-pitch walk in her first at-bat of the season.
Sacco came around to score on a throwing error during a steal attempt, and Brady crossed the plate shortly after on a sacrifice fly from Tori Vidales to give the Talons a 2-1 lead.
Pitchers Settle, Defenses Shine
Corrick found her rhythm in the second inning, showing her signature mix and movement. The ball didn’t leave the infield, and McKenzie Clark went down on a filthy changeup. Alana Vawter answered with a quick inning of her own.
The Blaze got traffic again in the third, putting two on with two outs, but Hannah Flippen came up big with a throw from her knees to nab Kowalik at first and end the inning.
Ana Gold made a statement on the other side of the field, robbing Sacco of a liner at third with a diving play. Maya Brady then notched her first AUSL hit in the third but was left stranded.
Talons Add On Behind Jacobsen and Ellis
Caroline Jacobsen continued her strong season with a leadoff double in the fourth and scored on a two-out RBI single from Bri Ellis, who has battled through a tough stretch as a rookie. That extended the lead to 3-1.
Corrick exited after four innings, allowing just one run on five hits with two walks and two strikeouts. Coach Howard Dobson handed the ball to Montana Fouts, and she did what she does best, shut the door.
Sacco and Brady Spark Another Rally
Sacco led off the fifth with a double and Brady followed with her second hit of the night. The Talons capitalized, as Flippen lifted a first-pitch sac fly to make it 4-1. Keilani Ricketts limited the damage by striking out Jacobsen with Brady stranded at third.
Fouts Locks It Down
Fouts worked another clean frame in the sixth, and although Sydney Romero reached in the bottom half, Ricketts responded with back-to-back strikeouts to end the inning.
The Blaze had one final push in the seventh, as Aliyah Andrews led off with a single, but Fouts and the Talons defense sealed the win.
Talons Keep Rolling
With the 4-1 win, the Talons improve to 15-4. Maya Brady’s return added another dimension to an already dangerous lineup, while Sacco continued her consistent season for the Talons.
Montana Fouts looks good after she returned from the IL the last series. Talons and Blaze will be back at it tomorrow night at 9:30 PM EDT on MLB Network.
Follow along with Fastpitch Wire, as we continue to bring you firsthand coverage of the Athletes Unlimited Softball League.
