Pirate Softball Splits Twin Bill at No. 7 San Diego Mesa

Fresh off of clinching the Western State Conference title, the Pirate softball team began a playoff tune-up road trip with a double-header split at No. 7-ranked San Diego Mesa. VC dropped a heartbreaking 5-4 decision in the opener before defeating the Olympians 12-9 in the nightcap. Jayla Raya recorded five hits with four runs batted in and a run scored in the two games to lead the way.

Ventura carried a two-run lead into the bottom of the seventh in the first game, but Mesa answered with a decisive swing and handed the Pirates a 5-4 loss on a walk-off three-run home run. The late rally erased what had been a strong push from the Pirates, which broke a 2-2 tie with two runs in the top of the seventh to move in front 4-2.

The Pirates finished with nine hits and did not commit an error. VC got an RBI from Samantha Soto, who went 2 for 3, scored once and doubled twice. Ventura also scored once in the second inning when Raya scored on a wild pitch and added another run in the sixth as Elena Girard crossed the plate on an error to pull even at 2-2 before setting up the dramatic final inning. As a team, the Pirates totaled four doubles, two walks and eight runners left on base.

Emma Estrella gave Ventura a chance throughout the afternoon with a high-strikeout outing in the circle. Estrella struck out 10 over six innings, allowing six hits, five runs and four walks. 

Ventura's steady offensive pressure was not enough to put the game away, however, despite out-hitting San Diego Mesa 9-6 and playing clean defense.

In the nightcap, VC erased an early four-run deficit with a six-run third inning and held off Mesa the rest of the way for a 12-9 victory. After trailing 9-5 through three innings, the Pirates flipped the game with their biggest offensive frame of the afternoon, then added an insurance run in the sixth to complete the comeback.

The Pirates scored early with three runs in the top of the first,  including an RBI from Soto. The Olympians countered with five runs in the bottom half of the frame. VC then added two more runs in the second when Raya knocked in two scores with a single to pull even at 5-5.

The Pirates sent the game in a different direction with six runs in the third inning. Raya again delivered one of the key swings in the rally and finished with a standout line, going 3 for 4 with four RBIs and a sacrifice. Isabella Padilla delivered a two-run single to complete the rally for an 11-5 Pirate advantage.

San Diego Mesa put up a four-spot in the bottom of the third, but starting pitcher Baylany Magana was able to quell the Olympian rally and keep VC ahead.

Ventura finished with 12 runs on 13 hits and did not commit an error defensively. Erika Sanchez recorded two hits in the game, including a double, and drove in a run, while Soto scored three times, had a double and an RBI.

In the circle, Magana earned the win for Ventura after working four innings. Estrella closed out the final three columns in relief and kept Mesa off the board. 

The Pirates will continue their road trip on Saturday Apr. 18 at Southwestern College in Chula Vista before returning home for the regular season finale on Tuesday Apr. 21 against Allan Hancock.