(Walnut, CA) - In a commanding performance, Mt. SAC secured a resounding 8-0 win over San Jose City College on Thursday, May 18, in the opening game of the 2023 3C2A Softball Championship. A remarkable eight-run inning fueled the South No. 2 Seed Mounties' triumph, propelling them to day two of the tournament.
With this victory, the Mounties advanced to the next round and will face the Cerritos at 11 a.m. tomorrow. Meanwhile, San Jose will also play at 11 a.m. tomorrow against Sierra who came up short against the Falcons (6-8). The secondary site for this game will be Citrus College in Glendora, CA.
The dominant pitching performance came from Mt. SAC's freshman pitcher, Aleyna Urbina (20-2), who went the distance, allowing only three hits and striking out two San Jose batters. The game's only runs came in an explosive third inning for the Mounties, where they capitalized on five hits and scored eight runs, with seven of them being unearned. Thirteen batters took to the plate during this impressive offensive showcase.
Several key hits played a significant role in the Mounties' scoring spree. Mia Mendoza singled to drive in the first two runs, crossing the plate for a 2-0 lead after Desiree Bravo and Katelyn Olson scored. Mendoza added another run when the Jaguars committed the first of three fielding errors. Following a loaded bases situation, Mendoza and Brianna Goris scored, extending the lead to 4-0. San Jose's two-base fielding error further increased the deficit, allowing Bravo to reach second and bringing Ashley Diaz and Espinoza home for the sixth and seventh runs.
Bravo had an outstanding performance, going 2-2 at the plate, scoring two runs, and driving in two RBIs. Goris also contributed with two hits and one run. Olson capped off the explosive inning for the Mounties with a powerful two-run double to right field, securing the team an 8-0 lead.
Although the Jaguars posed a threat in the first and second innings, leaving a runner on third base each time, they couldn't capitalize on their opportunities.
Overall, Mt. SAC's dominant performance in the opening game of the 2023 3C2A Softball Championship showcased their offensive firepower and strong pitching, positioning them well for the upcoming rounds of the tournament.