Ventura Defeats Oxnard in Five in Home Finale

The Ventura College softball team scored runs in each of the five innings to walk off with a 9-1 victory over Oxnard Tuesday in the Pirates' regular-season home finale. Sophie Dahlstedt had two hits, including a double, with two runs scored and two runs batted in addition to reaching base on an error in the bottom of the fifth resulting in the game-ending run crossing the plate. Megan Best pitched a complete game for the victory, allowing just three hits while striking out seven for VC (26-9, 10-2).

After the Pirates gave up two hits and a run in the top of the first inning, they came back with two scores in the bottom half of the frame.  Arianna Rivas had the big hit in the inning, a two-out, two-RBI single that scored Dahlstedt and Adriana Clemons for a 2-1 Ventura advantage.

In the second, Dahlstedt doubles with two outs to score Brittney Banales.

VC added two more runs in the bottom of the third. Clemons and Kayla Garcia led off the frame with walks, and they both advanced on a wild pitch. One out later, Anissa Padilla smacked a single, scoring both runners for a 5-1 lead.

The Pirates' slow and steady climb continued in the fourth. With one out, Best drew a walk, then Dahlstedt singles. Kaylee Neal reached base on a fielder's choice before Clemons had a two-RBI triple.  After a walk to Garcia, Clemons scored on a double steal.

Needing just one run for a mercy rule win in the bottom of the fifth, the Pirates loaded the bases with no outs. Padilla singles, Celeste Ekman walked, and pinch hitter Sarah Harvey reached base on an error to fill the diamond. After a line-out, Dahlstedt reached base on an error, scoring Padilla for the walk-off mercy rule 9-1 triumph.

Padilla ended the game with two hits, two RBI and a run scored while Clemons had a triple with three runs scored and two runs batted in. Rivas also had two RBI with a hit in the victory.

Ventura stays within one game of conference leading Bakersfield with two games remaining, and a game ahead of third place Allan Hancock. The Pirates travel to Moorpark on Thursday April 19 before closing the regular season at Santa Barbara on tuesday April 24.