Pirate Softball Drops Pair in Bakersfield

The VC softball team dropped a pair of contests in Bakersfield Saturday, falling to the host Renegades 11-3 in the opener before falling by an identical score to Riverside in the nightcap. Abby Ibarra had two runs batted in against BC in the opener while Baylany Magana recorded two hits with two runs scored in the nightcap against the Tigers.

Bakersfield used a decisive eight-run first inning to hand Ventura College an 11-3, five-inning loss in the first game of the day.

After the rough first, Ventura's pitching and defense steadied the game. Reliever Paisley Magdaleno came in and helped limit Bakersfield to three runs over the next four frames, as the Pirates played error-free softball behind her. The Renegades managed another run in the fourth to make it 9-0 and then tacked on two more runs in the fifth for an 11-0 cushion. Ventura avoided further damage with clean defense and better command in the circle.

The Pirates' offense finally broke through in the fifth, stringing together their best at-bats of the day to extend the contest. With traffic on the bases, Ibarra delivered Ventura's biggest swing, driving a two-run single to put the Pirates on the board. Moments later, Layah Hicks added another RBI, capping a three-run inning that trimmed the deficit to 11-3. Jayla Raya produced a single and scored a run against BC.

A big fifth inning from Riverside proved decisive as Ventura dropped another 11-3 decision against Riverside. The Tigers used a six-run frame to walk off the Pirates.

Riverside struck first with four runs in the bottom of the first inning. VC answered with two runs in the top of the first and added another in the third, but each time Riverside's offense had an answer.

Ventura's offense produced three runs on five hits against RCC. Samantha Soto delivered one of the Pirates' biggest swings, roping a double and driving in a run while also scoring once. Magana contributed at the plate with a two-hit effort and crossed the plate twice while also recording a pair of stolen bases, helping Ventura stay within striking distance through the middle innings.

After both teams traded single runs in the third inning to make it 5-3, Riverside broke the game open in the fifth. 

The Pirates continue their non-conference road show on Tuesday Feb. 10 at Los Angeles Valley. First pitch with the Monarchs is slated for 1:00 pm.