The game got away from Santa Barbara in the second inning, as Buena erupted for eight runs en route to an 18-0 five-inning win over the Dons in a Channel League softball opener on Friday.
“Buena was definitely the better team today,” said Santa Barbara coach Alex Sheldon.
Sydney Hamilton hit a three-run homer in the second and Lindsey Dietz belted a three-run blast in the third inning.
Santa Barbara loaded the bases in the third and fifth innings but was unable to score.’’
“I was happy that our girls competed until the last out.” Sheldon said. “We are going to keep working hard and get ready for the next one.”
On Tuesday, the Dons play at San Marcos, where Sheldon used to coach.
Buena…085 23 — 18 15 1
Santa Barbara…000 00 — 0 4 2
Lopez and Hamilton; Balderas and Lopez. W—Lopez. L—Balderas (2-2)
2B—B: Lopez, Hamilton 2. 3B—B: Hamilton HR—B: Hamilton, 2nd inn., two on; Dietz, 3rd inn. two one; Centeno, 4th inn. one on.