East County Sports

Foothiller duo fast, very convenient

Grossmont meets following the win on Tuesday. / photo by Amanda Bond

2019 EAST COUNTY PREP BASEBALL’

East County Sports staff report

EL CAJON (4-3-2009) – Should you need just one or two items, why bother going to one of those big-box groceries stores when you can save time (if not money) and head for the corner convenience store.

“That’s we call them our “7-11 combo,” said Grossmont softball coach Jerry Lerud. “They get in-and-out of the batters’ box, then down the line really quickly.”

The Foothillers have lighted it up in recent weeks thanks to the top of their batting order, which features shortstop Kimmy Bond (No. 7) and center fielder Natie Emery (11).

With the tandem consistently reaching base of late, Grossmont transformed from a .500 ballclub to one that’s won seven of their last eight,

Among the victories included Tuesday’s (Apr. 2) 11-1 romp over Scripps Ranch in Falcon Fiesta action, as both halves of the batting combo each reached base twice.

“Actually, we flip-flopped and batted Natie first,” added Lerud. “But now everyone is hitting. Like today, the bottom of the order did extremely well.”
Headed by catcher Jessica Medlin, who registered five RBI, the bottom of the Grossmont order drove in 10 runs in just four team at-bats to run-rule the Falcons.

Joining Medlin was right fielder Rainee (“R.F.”) Foster (3 RBI), and second baseman Halle “Swiss Miss” Sweiss (2 RBI), who recorded a pair of doubles.

Meanwhile, Hillers pitcher Samaria Roope spun a 2-hitter. The lone Scripps Ranch run came unearned.

“We’re playing very well right now,” added the coach. “But we’ll be tested Friday against Patrick Henry.”

Friday’s game against the 6th-ranked Patriots has been relocated to Grossmont, as the softball diamond at Patrick Henry continues for the second straight year of reconstruction.

The San Diego Unified School District, unfortunately, hired just one contractor to upgrade the Patriots’ facility. However, without another company to coordinate a timely schedule, it seems the (unnamed) construction company is really taking its time to complete the project, all to the detriment of the school and its ballplayers.

Grossmont is now 10-6 overall, winners in 7 of 8 since falling to Mater Dei Catholic, which was ranked No. 1 in the San Diego Section at the time. Scripps Ranch fell to10-5 overall.

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