Pirate softball jumps into driver's seat in WSC race

The Ventura College softball team took a huge step toward repeating as Western State Conference North Division champion Tuesday with a 9-1, 6-inning triumph over second-place Moorpark at the VC Softball Complex. Emma Estrella threw a two-hitter from the circle, striking out five in the complete-game win. Erika Sanchez had a pair of hits, including a key triple, with three runs batted in and a run scored while Baylany Magana recorded two hits with a pair of runs scored. 

The decisive stretch came early. Ventura turned a scoreless game into a comfortable lead in the second, with Sanchez delivering the key blow in the rally. Sanchez finished 2 for 4 with three RBIs and a triple, helping the Pirates capitalize on their early chances and put Moorpark on its heels. Ventura finished with nine hits, while Moorpark was limited to two.

In the circle, Estrella gave Ventura another steady outing. She worked six innings, allowed two hits and one run, walked three and struck out five in shutting down the Raiders.

Magana and Layah Hicks also helped set the tone for Ventura's offense. Magana went 2 for 3, scored twice, drove in a run and stole two bases. Hicks added two hits in three at-bats and an RBI. The Pirates were active on the bases throughout the afternoon, stealing three bases as a team and pairing that pressure with patient at-bats that produced four walks.

Ventura walked the game off in the sixth. Sophia Valencia, Elena Girard and Magana all scored in the frame to end the game with the 8-run lead.

With the victory, the Pirates (18-16, 10-0) clinch at least a tie for their second straight WSC title.  They can make it an outright championship on Thursday Apr. 16 at Oxnard.