Griffins edge Dons to keep on rolling

2016 GROSSMONT COLLEGE SOFTBALL

 

By Chris Davis
© East County Sports.com

EL CAJON (2-24-16) — The 2016 softball season is approaching the quarter pole already and the Grossmont College Griffins are looking like they could be gearing up for a deep playoff run.

 

That thought was driven home on Tuesday (Feb. 23) when the Griffins (11-4-1) defeated perennial playoff team Santa Ana (5-8) by a score of 4-3 at Grossmont College.

 

RACHEL EVERETT (W 5-2, Bonita Vista) threw a seven hit victory.  She also helped the offense in the first inning when she hit an RBI double to left field, and moved to third when the left fielder misplayed the ball, plating KATIE SCHMIDT (Valhalla) for a 1-0 lead.

 

AMANDA IZZO (Hemet) singled to lead off the third inning for the Griffins.  KATIE SCHMIDT (Valhalla) singled to left to move Izzo over to second.  Everett walked to load the bases for the Griffins.  Unfortunately for the Griffins they lined into a double play to take out Izzo at third.  SIERRA SALAZAR (Helix) singled to center field and advanced to second when the center fielder misplayed the ball.  The misplay allowed Everett to move to third, and the hit brought home Schmidt for a 2-0 Griffin lead.

 

The Dons loaded the bases up in the top of the fifth via a pair of hits and a throwing error.  The error, which would’ve gotten the Griffins out of the inning, came back and haunted them.  The very next batter doubled to center field to bring in all three runners and give Santa Ana a 3-2 lead.

 

In the bottom of the fifth, with one out, Schmidt tripled into left field to get the rally going.  Everett singled to left to bring in Schmidt and tie the game up at 3.

 

ARISA ROSADO (Olympian) singled to get the sixth inning going.  ALEXIS FLORES (Calexico) ran for her at first base.  SOPHIA SAHAGUN laid down a sacrifice to move Flores to second.  DIAMOND MEJIA (West Ranch) walked to put runners on first and second.  MARIAH FORTUNE (Santana) reached on a fielder’s choice when the Dons forced out Flores at third.  JESSICA RUBIO (Patrick Henry) pinch ran for Mejia at second.  Izzo walked to load the bases for the Griffins.  Schmidt beat out an infield single that scored Rubio to give the Green and Gold a 4-3 lead.

 

The Dons didn’t go down quietly.

 

With one out, Kristine McDonald laid down a bunt single to put the tying run on base.  After a foul out, McDonald stole second to get into scoring position.  Everett induced a lazy fly ball to left center that Salazar caught for the final out.

 

The Griffins (1-1 PCAC) will step back into PCAC action on Wednesday (Feb. 24) when Imperial Valley College (8-5, 0-2 PCAC) comes to Grossmont for a 1:00 p.m. first pitch.

 

 

Santa Ana  3

Grossmont  4

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