Walnut, Calif. – In a highly anticipated South Coast Conference showdown between two of the top teams in the state, the No. 5 Mt. SAC Softball Team made it clear who was in control. The Mounties powered past No. 4 El Camino, 12-2, in just 4.5 innings on Saturday, February 21, securing yet another run-rule victory.
With the win, Mt. SAC improves to 11-1 overall and a perfect 6-0 in SCC play. Impressively, six of those 11 victories have ended early via the mercy rule. El Camino, meanwhile, takes its first loss of the season, dropping to 10-1 overall and 4-1 in conference.
HOW IT HAPPENED:
The Mounties were fired up and ready to prove themselves as the better team right from the start. In the bottom of the first, Emily Sandoval lined a single to left field to bring home Sarai Raygoza and give Mt. SAC the early lead.
They didn't let up in the second inning. Singles from Desiree Morales and Angelina Martinez sparked the offense before Amanda Porterfield launched a two-run home run to extend the lead to 6-0.
El Camino managed two runs in the top of the third behind hits from Kate Pedroza and Emma Padilla, as well as a Mountie error. But that would be all the offense the Warriors could generate.
Mt. SAC responded immediately. In one of the most exciting plays of the day, the Mounties pulled off a double steal — Morales swiped second while Isabella Aspeitia stole home — pushing the lead to 7-2.
The fourth inning sealed the deal. Sophia Avina singled to left to score Brooklyn Game, and moments later, Marti Ann Leach crushed a three-run home run, plating Avina and Porterfield. The Mounties added one more run when Mya Arias scored on a Morales pop fly to center, stretching the advantage to 12-2.
El Camino had one last opportunity at the plate, but the Mounties shut the door, securing the run-rule victory in dominant fashion.
Zoe Herford got the start in the circle, tossing three solid innings while allowing three hits and two runs, walking two and striking out two over 15 batters faced. Vanessa Hawks came on in relief and closed things out, giving up just two hits and one walk while striking out two across the final two innings.
KEY PLAYERS:
- Marti Ann Leach: 2-for-3, 3 RBI, HR
- Amanda Porterfield: 2-for-3, 2 RBI, HR
- Desiree Morales: 2-for-2, 2 RBI, SB
NEXT UP:
The Mounties hit the road for their next game against Orange Coast College (3-4) on Tuesday, February 24, at 2:00 PM. Let's keep the momentum rolling, Mounties!
STAY CONNECTED:
Follow Mt. SAC Softball on Twitter @mtsac_softball or Instagram /mt.sacsoftball/
Follow Mt. SAC Athletics on Twitter @MtSAC_athletics Instagram /mtsac_athletics/ or Facebook @Mountie.Athletics
For additional information, please contact the Mt. SAC Sports Information Office at 909.274.4630.
