By Edgar Lopez
Huskies softball out-batted Pasadena City College, for an 11-6 victory at home last Tuesday improving their conference record to 6-7 and 11-17 overall.
Coach Erika Blanco said it’s good to be able to build on the last game’s win and to establish consistency. “Winning is contagious,” Blanco said.
The Huskies racked up points in the bottom half of the fourth inning, scoring five runs on five hits, two walks and a wild pitch.
The inning started with a pop out but was followed by a two-bagger. Husky catcher Megan Coronado was hit by a pitch and walked to first.
Clean-up hitter Megan Magdaleno took her at-bat and witnessed a wild pitch, allowing the Huskies to advance a base. Magdaleno walked in her at-bat, loading the bases.
Michelle Contreras then singled in an RBI. With one out, Elsie Ramirez hit an infield single as the Lancers defense attempted for the out at home but failed.
With bases loaded, Jesy Wrtaza followed with a two-RBI single over the pitcher’s head. Natalie Gutierrez then followed with an out at first, but the runner on third scored.
While the Lancers thought they had a double play to end the inning, Husky runners took advantage to advance a base and then remained on the bases, waiting for the umpire’s call.
Lauren Herman then hit a RBI double. The Lancers managed to end the inning with the Huskies on top, 7-3. Coach Blanco said her dugout erupted with safe calls.
Blanco also said that the runners were smart to stay on base. Blanco credited pitcher Janessa Martinez for helping win the game.
“First, our pitcher came out really hard,” Blanco said. Martinez is in the eighth spot for top ERA in the South Coast Conference with 4.24 runs per nine innings.
“Our team has been working on staying strong,” Martinez said. The hitters backed Martinez up with back-to-back hits and took advantage of scoring opportunities.
Martinez only suffered from a two run inning by PCC in the top of the third and a home run by opposing pitcher Kayla Moore in top of the fourth. Martinez struck out three Lancers.
Lauren Herman hit two doubles and a single in four at bats. She picked up a run and two RBIs. Contreras went two for four with a stolen base, a run and a RBI. Natalie Gutierrez went two for four with a run and 3 RBIs.
The Huskies will resume conference play after spring break with two home games.
The Huskies host El Camino College on Tuesday April 10 and Cerritos College on Thursday April 12. Both games begin at 3 p.m.