L.A. Valley scored nine times in the first three innings on Tuesday and went on to post a 9-1 softball victory over SBCC at Pershing Park. The nonconference game was shortened to five innings by the 8-run rule.
SBCC's Brianna Portese takes a swing in a recent game for the Vaqueros. (Vince Agapito Photo)
Mariah Ruz tossed a four-hitter for the Monarchs (6-7), striking out seven and walking three. Alyse Harris pitched the first 2 2/3 innings for the Vaqueros (3-6) and surrendered nine runs (seven earned) on nine hits.
SBCC was playing its first game in 10 days.
“Alyse warmed up really well, that’s why we went with her,” said coach Paula Congleton. “They were crowding the plate a little and her pitches weren’t breaking like they needed to break. They’re an aggressive team.”
The Monarchs had 13 hits, including five doubles. Their top two batters went 6-6 with three doubles and three runs. Vivien Topete was 4-4 with three RBIs.
“We were sitting idle in the outfield, our infielders were back on their heels,” noted Congleton. “Overall, we were really flat today.”
The Vaqueros scored in the second on an RBI single by leadoff hitter Samantha Cabada that cut the deficit to 5-1. She was 2-2 and reached base three times.
SBCC’s Celeste Acosta came on with two outs in the third and didn’t give up a run in the final 2 1/3 frames. She allowed four hits and struck out three.
The Vaqueros will play in the Golden West Tournament this weekend, opening against Orange Coast and Chaffey on Friday.
(5 inn., run rule)
L.A. Valley .….. 414 00 — 9 13 0
SBCC …………. 010 00 — 1 4 3
Ruz and Zapata; Harris and Larabell. W–Ruz 5-5. L–Harris 2-5.
2B–LAV: Topete, Ortega, Riojas, Rodriguez 2.
