(Walnut) – By John M. Sherrard – The Mountie bats erupted for eight runs in the first and second innings and went on to defeat host El Camino-Compton Center, 23-2, in a South Coast Conference game Tuesday afternoon at the MLB Youth Academy, shortened after five innings due to the 8-run mercy rule.
The recently-crowned conference champs banged out 18 hits to improve to 32-4 overall and 17-2 in the SCC.
Sophomore first baseman Aimee Rodriguez (John Burroughs HS) and freshman center fielder Bree Maikai (Oak Hill HS) each had three hits in the game. Rodriguez was 3 for 3 with a double, three runs scored and two RBIs, while Maikai was 3 for 4 with a triple, two stolen bases, two runs scored and three RBIs.
Freshman designated player Victoria Ayala (La Serna HS) added a three-run home run in the fourth inning and a sacrifice run-scoring fly for four RBIs in the game.
Freshman pitcher Racqual Espinoza (Golden Valley HS) picked up her 11th win of the season for the Mounties.
The Mounties swiped nine bases, with freshman shortstop Kayla Sok (Glendora HS) leading the way with three. Sok, who has stolen 35 bases, is three behind the state leader.
Mt. SAC will honor the sophomores at Thursday's game against El Camino before the game. First pitch is scheduled for 3:00 p.m.
For more information contact Mt. SAC Sports Information at 909-274-4630. Follow the team on Twitter @mtsac_athletics.