Ventura blanks Oxnard 4-0 behind Magana’s complete-game

Ventura softball took control early and never let go Tuesday, scoring twice in the first inning and riding a complete-game shutout from Baylany Magana to a 4-0 win over Oxnard. Magana and Samantha Soto each singled and scored in the first inning, with Jayla Raya doubling in a run in the opening frame. Erika Sanchez also had a double and scored a run and Zayra Landeros had a single and rounded the bases to score.

The Pirates set the tone immediately with a two-run first with Raya driving in a run on an extra base hit as Ventura grabbed a 2-0 lead, giving Magana early support. The sophomore pitcher responded in what turned into a steady seven-inning effort in the circle. VC added another run in the second inning to push the margin to 3-0, then created more separation in the sixth when Layah Hicks delivered a sacrifice fly scoring Sanchez, who led off the frame with a double.

Magana handled the rest. The Ventura pitcher worked all seven innings, allowed just three hits, walked four and struck out six to earn the win. Oxnard put runners on base with four walks and left six aboard, but Ventura kept the visitors from finding a breakthrough.

VC produced four runs on six hits and made the most of its opportunities despite drawing only one walk. Raya finished 1 for 3 with a double and an RBI, while Landeros went 1 for 2 with an RBI. Sanchez also recorded a double and Hicks added the team's final RBI on her sixth-inning sacrifice.

The Pirates' win moves the team to 12-14 on the season, with a perfect 5-0 mark in Western State Conference play. Ventura will next travel to Hancock on Thursday Mar. 26.