DV: Top-seeded Lions avoid Sharks’ scare

2018 EAST COUNTY PREP SOFTBALL

DIVISION V PLAYOFFS

Liberty 2, Bayfront 1

Special to EastCountySports.com

LEMON GROVE (5-20-2018) – Top-ranked Liberty Charter High of Lemon Grove failed to make the same play as upstart Bayfront Charter of Chula Vista, but only the Lions could capitalize on the opponent’s miscue to survive a scare from the Sharks, 2-1, in Saturday’s (May 19) CIF Division V softball champion contest.

Leading 1-0, Bayfront had a runner on second base with two outs in the fifth inning, when they sent a fly ball to center field. However, the ball was dropped, but the runner thought there was just one out, so she remained at second instead of scoring, maintaining the 1-run advantage.

The base-running error proved to be fatal.

One inning later, Liberty placed two runners in scoring position, but an easy fly ball should’ve ended the inning. Yet again, the ball was misplayed, both runners scored and the Lions survived for a 2-1 victory in the third round ballgame.

Liberty gains a bye into Thursday’s winners’ bracket final. Bayfront, coached by former Christian High and USD standout Mary Grabowski — with her father John Grabowksi serving as an assistant — needs to win Tuesday at Julian to advance to a Thursday doubleheader at Poway SportsplexUSA.

“It was a lot different than the first time we played them, when they won, 11-1,” said the head coach. “We were prepared to beat them, but those two mistakes allowed them to win.”

“That’s how much we’ve improved, so I hope we get a chance to play them again.”