Roundup: Eagles punchout; Highlanders perfect

By ECS Staff
Updated: April 5, 2017

Helix warms up prior to Tuesday's game.

2017 EAST COUNTY PREP SOFTBALL

By Adam Paul

EastCountySports.com

Grossmont Hills League

GRANITE HILLS 10, SANTANA 3 –The Eagles got out of funk late to snatch victory from jaws of defeat to claim the road victory in Hills League action.

Santana took an early lead with two outs in the bottom of the first when CASSIDY MATTHIE (1-3, R, RBI, HR) crushed the Kyler offering over the left field fence to give the Sultans a 1-0 lead.

Early on besides the solo shit by Santana, both pitchers HALLE KYLER (1-2, 2 R) for the Eagles and MADISON MENDEZ for the Sultans came to play and were dealing matching each other out for out.

The Sultans had an opportunity to add in the bottom of the fourth as RACHEL WILSON (2-3, RBI) led off with a single to center, KRYSTEN SERVICE sacrificed and Wilson advanced to second.

With only one down and Wilson at second, ASHLEY MADRIGAL came to the plate and hit a shot to third that was fielded by CASSIDY SHEW who threw Madrigal out at first and KAREN CREECH saw that Wilson tried to advance to third, threw the ball to third where Shew tagged Wilson out for the double play to end the inning.

Mendez again in the top of the fifth was able to retire the Eagles pretty easily. So still leading by the slim 1-0 margin, the Sultans came up to bat in the bottom of the fifth.

Leading off was NICOLE MADRIGAL (1-3, R) who was able to hit a liner to right for a single, LAKAILA AQUININOC (1-2) sacrificed Madrigal to second, Madrigal would advance to third on a passed ball.

This put the Sultans in business as SHELBY HOLMQUIST (RBI) came to bat, she hit a fly ball to right for the out but Madrigal tagged up and was able to score to give the Sultans a 2-0 lead.

A 2-0 lead looked like what the Sultans would need as Mendez up to this point was no-hitting the Eagles.

However, the Eagles had other ideas.

Leading off for Granite in the top of the sixth, Kyler who was able to hit a little looper to right just over the second baseman for a single, the next batter Shew was retired on a popup to MACKENZIE BENNETT (1-2, 2B) for the first out, HAILEY JOHNSON would run the count full before drawing the walk and giving the Eagles runners at first and second and only one down. MORGAN KELLY (2 R) came into run for Johnson.

Granite was in business as they were able to break through off Mendez, the next batter KAYLA MACK (2 R, RBI) took the Mendez offering and smashed a liner to left for a single in which Kyler was waved home and scored, Kelly advanced to third on the throw.

Now with the score 2-1 and runners at the corners and only one down the momentum had swung in the Eagles favor.

The next batter for the Eagles, Creech hit a fly ball to right field to right field for a single that scores Kelly which tied the game 2-2, up stepped the left-handed hitter RYLEE OMAHEN (1-3, R, 4 RBI, HR) who on an 0-2 count took the Mendez offering and absolutely crushed it to the opposite field and over the left field fence for the 3-run homer to give the Eagles their first lead of the game at 5-2.

So now trailing for the first time all game the Sultans were behind the eight ball heading into the bottom of the sixth. Leading off for them in the bottom of the inning, Bennett hits a fly ball to right for a double, DESIREE LYNCH comes into run for Bennett,

Leading off for them in the bottom of the inning, Bennett hits a fly ball to right for a double, DESIREE LYNCH comes into run for Bennett, Matthie grounds out which advances Lynch to third, Wilson was able to drive Lynch home as she ripped a singled to right field to cut into the lead 5-3. The Sultans had an opportunity to add more as Wilson made it to second but she would be stranded.

The Sultans had an opportunity to add more as Wilson made it to second but she would be stranded.

Granite who had not done anything all game until the top of the sixth looked to do more damage in the seventh as they knew a 2 run lead wasn’t safe in the Hills League.

Leading off for the Eagles in the top of the seventh, Wallace (1-4, R) who hits a fly ball to center where Matthie had a beat on it and had it in her glove but the ball popped out which allowed Wallace to reach on the error, she advanced to third on a passed ball, Kyler was able to draw the walk, she steals second to give the Eagles runners at second and third, Shew grounds out to Wilson who threw it to first to get the out, Johnson walks to load the bases, Kelly into run for Johnson, Wallace scores on a passed ball to make it 6-3, Mack draws a walk to again load the bases, Creech laid down the perfect bunt which scores Kyler to push it to 7-3, Omahen hit a sacrifice fly which scored Kelly to make it 8-3 and two outs, BRIELLE TYSELING rounded out the scoring with a smash double which scores both Mack and Creech to extend the lead to 10-3.

Heading to the bottom of the seventh and needing to get something going the Sultans were down to their final three outs. Granite Hills Eagles pitcher Kyler looked to finish off the Sultans.

Leading off for the Sultans in the bottom of the seventh, Aquininqoc who on three pitches was called out on strikes for the first out.

The next batter, Holmquist was able to draw the four-pitch walk, which brought Mendez to the plate.

On the 1-2 count from Kyler, Mendez swung and grounded to second where Tyseling fielded it and threw it to Omahen who threw it Creech at first to complete the 4-6-3 double play and end the game.

In the loss, Mendez went 7 innings, giving up 10 runs on 6 hits while walking 8 and striking out 5.

For the Eagles in the win, Kyler tossed 7 innings, giving up 3 runs on 6 hits while walking 3 and striking out 3.

STEELE CANYON 11, GROSSMONT 9 – The streaking Cougars held the Foothillers despite a late rally to claim the Hills contest.

The Cougars struck first as AUDREY BAGGE (RUN) walked to lead things off, GENTRY HOFFMAN (2-4, R) singled and a couple of batters later with one out, MAKAYLA STROMENGER (2-3, 2 R, 5 RBI, 2B, HR) knocked in Bagge on a sacrifice fly to give the Cougars a 1-0 lead.

Grossmont in the bottom of the first matched the run and took the lead as KATIE APPENZELLER (3-4, 2 R, RBI) with one down singled, MOANA PISIA ripped a double to left that scored Appenzeller to tie the game 1-1, ALEXIS COLLINS (1-3, R, 3 RBI, HR) walked, a couple of batters later with two outs DESTINY BACON (1-3, R, RBI) singled to center and Pisia scored to give the Foothillers a 2-1 lead.

Steele Canyon in the top of the third retook the lead as SAMANTHA MILLER (1-3, R, 2 RBI) led off with a walk, Bagge hit a grounder that advanced Miller to second, with one out Hoffman singles and advances Miller to third, JJ VENZOR (3-3, 3 R, RBI, 2B) knocked in Miller on a single to right and Hoffman advanced to third, Stromenger again did her thing as she roped a double that scored both Hoffman and Venzor to make it 4-2, MAKAYLA MCCARTHY (3-4, RBI, 2B) followed with another double that scored Stromenger to give the Cougars a 5-2 lead.

ELIZABETH BOTT (RUN) came into run for McCarthy, she would score on a EMMA DODSON (1-3, R, RBI) single to push the score to 6-2.

Back to back walks by Appenzeller and Pisia gave Grossmont runners on first and second in the bottom of the third.

The next batter Collins took the McCarthy 1-0 offering and crushed it over the center-field fence for the 3-run blast to pull the Foothillers within 6-5.

A couple of batters later, Bacon attempted a sacrifice and was safe, she would get to third on a TAYLOR BAEZ fly ball. AMBER ALLMAN singled to center and Bacon would score on an error by

AMBER ALLMAN singled to center and Bacon would score on an error by Stromenger at third to tie the game at 6-6.

The Foothillers would threaten in the bottom of the fourth when Appenzeller singled and Pisia walked to give them runners at first and second with no outs.

However, McCarthy was able to retire the next three batters to end the inning and squash the threat.

Steele Canyon retook the lead as they pushed across a couple of runs in the top of the fifth as Stromenger blasted a 2-run shot that scored Venzor who led off with a single. With the homerun the Cougars now led 8-6.

The Cougars still led by the two runs looked to add more in the top of the seventh. Leadoff hitter Venzor

Leadoff hitter Venzor staretd things off by smashing a double to left, a couple of batters later McCarthy singled advancing Venzor to third, Bott came into run for McCarthy, MARIANNA MARTINEZ (1-3, R, RBI) knocked in Venzor on a single and Miller knocked in both Martinez and Dodson to make it 11-6.

Leading by three runs the Cougars looked to end the game pretty quickly.

However, the Foothillers had other ideas in the bottom of the seventh. With one out, Bacon walked, Baez hit into a fielders choice for the second out, Allman walked, JORDAN BROWN (1-1, R, RBI, 2B) clubs a double that scored Baez to make it 11-7, CHLOE CAMARERO (2-5, RBI) drove in Allman on a single to make it 11-8 and Appenzeller knocked in Brown as she singled. Still with runners on the Foothillers were in business,

With one out, Bacon walked, Baez hit into a fielder’s choice for the second out, Allman walked, JORDAN BROWN (1-1, R, RBI, 2B) clubs a double that scored Baez to make it 11-7, CHLOE CAMARERO (2-5, RBI) drove in Allman on a single to make it 11-8 and Appenzeller knocked in Brown as she singled. Still with runners on the Foothillers were in business,

Still with runners on the Foothillers were in business, however, McCarthy was able to retire Pisia on a popup to end the game.

Roope in the loss for Grossmont tossed 7 innings, giving up 11 runs, walked 3 and struck out 5.

McCarthy for the Cougars in the victory went 7 innings, giving up 9 runs, walked 7 and fanned 6.

The win for the Cougars keeps them streaking as they push their winning ways to 8 games.

WEST HILLS 18, VALHALLA 12 – A big fifth inning for the Wolf Pack led to a victory in which thirty runs were scored combined.

The Wolf Pack got on the board first in the bottom of the first as RYLEIGH DOBYNS (4-4, 4 R, 3 RBI, 2B, HR) cranked a two-run blast that scored MELISSA CASTILLO (2-4, 3 R, 2 RBI) who had singled to give the Pack a 2-0 lead.

The next batter ALEX GUAY (3-4, 3 R, 2 RBI) followed with a single, a couple of batters later ALYSSA BUBAR (1-3, 2 R, RBI) would draw a two out walk, BROOKE SNYDER (1-1, R, 4 RBI, 2B) walked and MAKAYLA CRISTINI (R, 2 RBI) was hit by a pitch scoring a run. Bubar would also score to give the Pack a 4-0 lead.

A two run jack by ALEXIS INGRASSIA in the top of the second for Valhalla cut the lead in half 4-2.

West Hills answered in the bottom of the second as Dobyns doubled, Guay was hit by a pitch, ASHLEIGH HARTWIG (2-2, R, RBI) walked to load the bases and Snyder walked which scored Dobyns to make it 5-2.

Valhalla answered in the top of the third as RACHEL SHELSTROM (2-4, 2 R, RBI, 2B) led off by reaching on an error, JADE HILL (2-3, 2 R, RBI, 2B) singled, KENNEDY LABSHERE (RUN) reached on an error by the shortstop and VICTORIA VILLEGAS (1-1, 3 R, 4 RBI, HR) stepped to the plate and crushed a grandslam dinger to give Valhalla a 6-5 lead.

The Norsemen added more in the top of the fourth when RYLEE MCMILLAN (RUN) walked, Shelstrom doubled which scored McMillan to make it 7-5, Hill followed with a double that scored Shelstrom, Villegas walked. Both her and Hill would score to make it 9-5.

KELLY OLSON (1-3, R, RBI, HR) led off the top of the fifth for Valhalla by crushing a solo shot to make it 11-5, SAMMY GREEN (RUN) walked, Shelstrom knocked her in on a single to give Valhalla a 12-5 lead.

West Hills would finally breakthrough in a big way in the bottom of the fifth inning.

With one down, SIERRA SCHLICHTING walked, Castillo singled, Dobyns singled in Schlichting to make it 12-6, Guay drove in Castillo to make it 12-7, Hartwig singled, Bubar was hit by a pitch which scored a run, to make it 12-8, Snyder walked which scored a run to make it 12-9, Cristini walked scoring another run to make it 12-10, Schlichting walked which scored another run to make it 12-11, Castillo singled in two runs to give the Pack a 13-12 lead.

The next batter Dobyns singled, Guay followed by being hit by a pitch to make it 14-12, Hartwig singled scoring another run to make it 15-12, Snyder roped a double that scored two runs to make it 17-12 and the Pack added another run to make it 18-12.

Vahalla would be retired in order the next two innings in the sixth and seventh to end the game.

Grossmont Valley League

HELIX 13, MONTE VISTA 0 (4 1/2 innings) – Freshmen dominance was the name of the game for the Highlanders as they rolled on the Monarchs in Valley League play.

Helix in the bottom of the first pushed across five runs to take a 5-0 lead thanks to multiple hits. FAITH KING doubled with one down, McKenzie Flores followed with a walk, GABBY OLIVARRIA roped a double that scored a run, ALOFA COLLINS drove in a couple of runs as she laced a single and FRANKIE MARTINEZ singled, her and Collins would come into score when ZOE KUHLKEN helped her cause with a double.

The Highlanders put the contest away in the bottom of the second as they batted around on their way to scoring 8 more runs. Olivarria singled in a run, Collins also drove in a run. Both EMILY COALE and Flores had singles that scored runs as well.

In the circle, freshman Kuhlken dominated the Monarchs one by one on her way to throwing a perfect game on the day.

Olivarria on the day for the Highlanders went 2-3, a double, 2 RBI, scored a run and swiped a base.

City-Eastern League

CHRISTIAN 8, SERRA 3 – The Patriots use pitching and offense to take down the Conquistadors in City-Eastern League action.

Christian got on the board first in the bottom of the first inning when SILENT RAIN ESPINOZA (2-2, 3 R, RBI, 2B, HR) led off with a solo homer to give the Patriots a 1-0 lead. Espinoza did more damage in the bottom of the third when she led off by doubling, MALLORY STEELE (2-4, 2 R, 3 RBI, 3B) drove her in with a triple which made it 2-0, ASHLEY CARTER (3-4, R, 2 RBI, SB, 2B) drove her in to make it 3-0.

The Conquistadors broke through in the top of the fifth inning and got within a run as they scored twice to make it 3-2.

However, the Patriots were able to answer in the bottom of the inning as both Steele and Carter scored in the inning to extend the Patriot lead to 5-2. Christian would add onto their lead in the bottom of the sixth inning.

ALEXA HENDERSON (1-3, R, 2B) doubled with two outs, LAUREN SHERBURNE (1-3, R) singled, Espinoza walked to load the bases, Steele singled which scored Henderson and Sherburne to make it 7-2 and Carter doubled to round out the scoring.

Serra would score one more run in the top of the seventh to make it 8-3.

Carter on the day in the circle tossed 7 innings in the win, giving up 3 runs on 4 hits while walking 1 and striking out 6.