University of Pittsburgh Athletics
Pitt
25-24, 8-14
California
13-37, 3-19
| Team | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | Runs R | Hits H | Errors E |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cal | 1 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 1 | 0 | 6 | 8 | 2 |
| Pitt | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 5 | 4 | 14 | 10 | 0 |
Helton’s Walk-Off Grand Slam Lifts Pitt Past Cal in Six Innings
5/1/2026 10:56:00 PM | Softball
PITTSBURGH – Pitt opened its weekend series against Cal with a 14-6 run-rule victory in six innings Friday night at Vartabedian Field, using a balanced offensive attack and a walk-off grand slam from Gracie Helton to secure the win.
Helton finished 2-for-3 with two home runs, five RBI and three runs scored. Pitt scored in all six innings and totaled five home runs in the win.
After an hour-long weather delay due to rain, Cal struck quickly as Sophia Everett led off the game with a solo home run on the fourth pitch of the night. Kayla Lee followed with a single, but Gwen Sparks settled in and retired the next three batters to limit the damage.
Pitt responded in the bottom of the first, taking advantage of a Cal fielding error to score two runs and take a 2-1 lead.
The Golden Bears threatened again in the second, loading the bases with one out, but the Panthers turned a double play to end the inning and preserve the lead.
Camryn Murphy extended the advantage in the bottom of the second with a solo home run, and Helton added a solo shot of her own in the third to push Pitt in front, 4-1.
Cal answered in the fourth, using three home runs in a four-run inning to take a 5-4 lead.
Ahmari Braden tied the game in the bottom half with a solo home run, and Pitt regained control in the fifth with a five-run inning. Addison Toczek provided the key swing of the frame with a three-run pinch-hit home run, helping the Panthers build a 9-6 lead.
Pitt continued to apply pressure in the sixth as Alena Ball and Tieley Vaughn opened the inning with back-to-back singles and stolen bases to move into scoring position. KK Esparza drew a walk to load the bases before Helton ended the game with a walk-off grand slam to center field.
Pitt and Cal continue the series Saturday at 3 p.m. at Vartabedian Field. Following the game, the Panthers will celebrate their seven seniors in a postgame ceremony.
Team Stats
Pitching:
W: Lukaszewicz, Allie (3-1)
L: McGowan, Mya (4-14)
Batting:
HR: Counts, Kayli 1 ; Robinson, Gator 1 ; Everett, Sophia 2
RBI: Counts, Kayli 1 ; Raven, Carly 1 ; Robinson, Gator 2 ; Everett, Sophia 2
SH: Togia, Anaya 1
Base Running:
RUNS: Counts, Kayli 1 ; Raven, Carly 1 ; Rey, Madison 1 ; Robinson, Gator 1 ; Everett, Sophia 2
CS: Lee, Kayla 1
Batting:
2B: Ball, Alena 1 ; Reese, Mackenzie 1 ; Esparza, KK 1
HR: Braden, Ahmari 1 ; Murphy, Camryn 1 ; Helton, Gracie 2 ; Toczek, Addison 1
RBI: Braden, Ahmari 1 ; Murphy, Camryn 1 ; Helton, Gracie 5 ; Toczek, Addison 3
Base Running:
RUNS: Ball, Alena 2 ; Reese, Mackenzie 1 ; Vaughn, Tieley 1 ; Braden, Ahmari 1 ; Esparza, KK 2 ; Murphy, Camryn 1 ; Henne, Calle 1 ; Helton, Gracie 3 ; Toczek, Addison 1 ; Harris, Payton 1
SB: Ball, Alena 1 ; Vaughn, Tieley 1 ; Esparza, KK 1
HBP: Henne, Calle 1
