VC Softball rolls past Allan Hancock behind 20-hit attack and Estrella’s shutout

Ventura put the game out of reach early and never let up Thursday, defeating Allan Hancock 17-0 in five innings. Samantha Soto had four hits, including a pair of doubles, with three runs batted in and two runs scored to lead the offense and Emma Estrella had a dominant start in the circle. Baylany Magana, Aubrey Aguirre and Layah Hicks all homered as the Pirates scored in every inning, including a six-run second that broke the game open.

VC finished with 20 hits and did not commit an error defensively. The Pirates opened with three runs in the first, stretched the lead to 9-0 in the second, then kept adding on with two runs in the third, one in the fourth and five more in the fifth. Hancock managed just three hits and left two runners on base.

Soto led Ventura's lineup with a 4-for-5 day, driving in three runs and collecting two doubles. Magana added a home run, scored three times and stole a base, while Hicks also hit a home run and drove in two. Aguirre joined the power surge with a home run as the Pirates consistently found hard contact throughout the afternoon.

In the circle, Estrella controlled the game from the start. She threw a five-inning shutout, allowed three hits, walked none and struck out 10 to earn the win. Estrella faced 17 batters and needed only 70 pitches to finish the complete game, keeping the Bulldogs from mounting any kind of rally.

Ventura's pressure showed up in every phase. The Pirates totaled 15 RBIs, drew three walks and struck out only four times in 35 at-bats. 

The Pirates next host Fullerton and Citrus on Saturday March 28 at 10:00 am and 2:00 pm, respectively.