Ventura Explodes Late to Top LA Valley 14-8

A pair of six-run swings in the middle and late innings turned a tight game into a high-scoring road win as the VC softball team powered past LA Valley 14-8 on Tuesday. Aubrey Aguirre and Erika Sanchez each knocked in four runs to lead the Pirates while Abby Ibarra had a pair of hits with a run batted in and three runs scored.

The Pirates broke the game open with a five-run sixth inning, capping a stretch in which they scored in four straight frames to erase an early deficit and pull away. Ventura finished with 14 runs on 12 hits and took advantage of seven walks and three Monarch errors, while LA Valley totaled eight runs on 11 hits.

After LA Valley struck first with two runs in the second inning, Ventura answered immediately in the third. The Pirates plated four runs in the frame to grab a 4-2 lead, then kept the pressure on with another four-run outburst in the fourth. The Pirates added a single run in the fifth before delivering the decisive blow in the sixth, sending five more runners across to put the game largely out of reach despite a four-run response from the Monarchs in the bottom half.

Aguirre was a constant presence on the bases, finishing 1-for-1 with four RBIs, a run scored, three walks and a sacrifice, playing a central role in the Pirates' big innings. Sanchez provided production in the heart of the order, going 2-for-5 with a run scored and four RBIs to help Ventura steadily extend its advantage.

Paisley Magdaleno earned the win in the circle for Ventura, working 6.0 innings while allowing 11 hits and eight runs, seven of them earned. She walked four and struck out four to improve to 1-0. Backed by 21 defensive putouts and six assists behind her, Magdaleno settled in after the second inning as the Pirates' offense surged ahead. Ventura committed just one error, limiting extra chances for the Monarchs as the game progressed. Baylany Magana pitched a scoreless seventh inning with a pair of K's to close out the win.

The Pirates next head to College of the Canyons for a double-header on Thursday Feb. 12. The first game is slated to begin at 12:00 pm in Santa Clarita.