Helix softball gains share of GHL lead

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2022 EAST COUNTY PREP SOFTBALL

By Tyler Gribble
Special to ECS.com

FLETCHER HILLS — Helix High senior Sophia Ramuno tallied her eighth complete-game shutout of the season Tuesday (May 3) in firing a 2-hitter against host Grossmont in Grossmont Hills League action.

The only blemishes on Ramuno’s performance were in the form of a pair of base hits by Natalie Emery, the daughter of Ramuno’s own head coach, Darren Emery.

Meanwhile, Scotties third baseman Amber Young also had a two hits, but both were run-scoring knocks in give Helix the early lead.

“Amber was on fire today,” said Ramuno in a text message. “Super stoked for her and that. coach Darren’s daughter was the only two hits of the game.”

“Only person from their side to reach base. It was disappointing I wasn’t able to shut her down. Our offense has been struggling. We are addressing that. It will make a return.”

Meanwhile, coupled with the Helix win, El Capitan fell to Santana, 5-1, leaving the Scotties and Vaqueros tied for first place in the Grossmont Hills League standings.

In her tweet, Ramona added, “‘What are your thoughts on El cap loosing?’ Didn’t see that one coming.”

The visiting Highlanders immediately struck in  the first, where shortstop Angel Riggins singled before being doubled home by Young.

In the third, Young, a senior, contributed her second run-scoring base hit in the third, driving in Lauren Farace who reached base on a fielder’s choice.

“I definitely believe that the El Cap game made the whole team open their eyes and realize that this won’t be an easy fight for league champs,” Young admitted. “We’ve all put in a lot of effort both in practice and in our own free time to better ourselves on the field.”

“I, myself, just came to the game mentally prepared knowing that I needed to do my part as a teammate to help with the win.”

Highlander starting pitcher Sophia Ramuno retired the first nine Foothillers batters of the game in order, including striking out seven, before Grossmont center fielder Natalie Emery broke the perfect streak with a leadoff single in the bottom of the fourth. Ramuno retired the next eight before Emery once again stepped into the batter’s box, this time doubling into the left-center gap.

Ramuno totaled 11 strikeouts and allowed two hits in the complete game. She has not given up an earned run in her last 29 innings pitched. The Highlanders are scheduled for a league match-up against Steele Canyon on Thursday. The Cougars are the most recent opponent to record an earned run off Ramuno.

Quotes

Amber Young, Helix:

“Grossmont’s pitching was outside or middle almost every time. So I just did what my coaches taught me and hit it middle right and my hits produced for us.”

“Sophia and I have a great connection on the field and always appreciate what effort each other puts it. After the tight game she expressed to me in full that she was more than greatful for my performance at the plate today.”

“(Sophia) also put in her effort at the mound as well which I love and the team is always grateful for.”