USA Softball Showcase Delivers Fireworks in Doubleheader Sweep
USA Softball All-Star Showcase Quick Recap
The USA Softball All-Star Showcase doubleheader saw two exciting games, each ending in one-run wins by Team USA over the All-Stars. With all of the high-level players that were on the field at one time, it was a treat to see them all share the same space. From veterans to players still in college, they all took part and made the most of the opportunity.
Game One:
After being postponed due to weather, the opening game featured strong pitching early. Megan Faraimo worked three scoreless innings for Team USA, holding the All-Stars to just one hit. Jocelyn Alo put the All-Stars on the board with a two-run homer in the fourth, but Team USA responded.
Jayda Coleman robbed a homer defensively, then launched one of her own to give USA a 3-2 lead in the sixth. Kinzie Hansen added a two-RBI single that stretched the lead to 5-2. The All-Stars answered with a two-run homer from Aubrey Leach in the seventh, but Lexi Kilfoyl struck out Alo to end the game.
Final: Team USA 5, All-Stars 4
Game Two:
Team USA jumped out to a 2-0 lead on RBI hits from Bubba Nickles and Sahvanna Jaquish. Cori McMillan got the All-Stars on the board in the second with a solo shot to center, making it 2-1.
In the third, the All-Stars broke things open. After tying the game at 2-2, they loaded the bases, and Aubrey Leach launched a grand slam, giving her squad a 6-2 lead.
Team USA fought back in the fifth and sixth. Skylar Wallace came through with a two-RBI single to make it 6-4, All-Stars in a bases loaded situation. Jayda Coleman made it 6-5 with a grounder that slipped through the infield, and Skylar Wallace followed with a two-RBI double to give Team USA the lead in the sixth inning. Bubba Nickles stayed hot with a two-run homer to make it 9-6.
In the bottom of the sixth, Alyssa Brito ripped a leadoff double and came around to score on an RBI-single from Leach, cutting the lead to 9-7.
But Team USA added insurance in the seventh. Janae Jefferson doubled off the wall, and Amanda Lorenz drove her in with a single to make it 10-7. Reese Atwood kept the All-Stars alive with a two-run homer, making it 10-9, but Kelly Maxwell responded with back-to-back strikeouts to close it out.
Final: Team USA 10, All-Stars 9
Coach Patty Gasso leads the US Women’s National Team this year and was pleased with the fight and work she saw from both teams at Devon Park. With the World Games in Chengdu, China approaching August 13–17, Team USA won’t have many chances to be together before then.
She emphasized how much growth she’s seen during the team’s short time in camp. With players coming from all different levels, AUSL and collegiate included, they’ve all continued to meet the challenge. The energy, offense, and back-and-forth play reflected exactly what an All-Star environment is all about.
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