Leading Pacifica to the win were (from left) Natalia Amezquita, Abby Amezquita, Jenna Valladares, Natalie Pacecho and Shay Kletke. (PHOTOS: Tom Connolly, For OC Sports Zone).
With the high school softball regular season winding down, each game takes on added importance.
On Thursday afternoon, Pacifica rallied to score three runs in the fifth and sixth innings to break a tie game and went on to defeat Cypress 4-1 on senior day, keeping its Crestview League title hopes alive.
Mariners junior right-hander Shay Kletke pitched her way out of a bases loaded jam in the sixth inning and Abby Amezquita drilled a two-run double in the bottom of the inning to propel the Mariners (16-10, 6-5) to the critical league win.
To see additional photos, click on the first picture:
Pacifica is currently in third place in league, one-half game behind second-place La Habra and one game behind league-leading El Modena.
The Mariners and El Modena play their final regular season game against each other on Tuesday at El Modena. La Habra has completed its league regular season schedule.
If Pacifica wins, there will be a three-way tie for the league title, repeating last season’s three-way tie for the league title when El Modena, Pacifica and La Habra shared the league title. Cypress is currently in fourth place in league and will play Canyon in its final regular season game on Tuesday.
Thursday’s win marked marked the third time Pacifica has defeated the Centurions this season. Each of the three contests were a battle and came down to the few innings.
The Centurions (15-11, 5-6) took a 1-0 lead in the third inning on an RBI single by Callie Kissell.
The Mariners tied the score at 1-1 in the fourth inning. Leyla Ayres walked with two outs and scored on Jenna Valladares’ triple to right center.
Valladares had an outstanding game with two extra base hits, scored a run, had an RBI, and was on base three times. The freshman was also flawless in left field recording five putouts.
“We’ve lost our last two games, so this win puts us in a better place,” said Valladares. “We all stayed calm and played good defense”.
Nat Pacheco’s two-out RBI single in the bottom of the fifth inning gave the Mariners a 2-1 lead.
Cypress threatened to take the lead in the top of the sixth inning, however Kletke came up clutch and shut down the rally. The Centurions loaded the bases with two outs but Kletke retired Makayla Dietrich on a fly to center to foil Cypress’ bid to extend the inning.
“When they loaded the bases in the sixth inning, I remained calm, kept my poise and hit my spots,” said Kletke. “I felt I was throwing my curveball and fastball well. This win definitely gives us confidence moving forward.”
Pacifica added two insurance runs in the sixth inning to give them an added boost. Ayres stroked a one-out double and Valladares followed by drawing a walk. One out later, Abby Amezquita drilled a two-run double off the base of the left field fence giving the Mariners a 4-1 lead.
“I haven’t been hitting too well lately, but when I came to bat in the sixth inning with two runners on and two outs, I wasn’t nervous,” said Amezquita. “This win is for the seniors and it gives us energy as we go for a league title and into the CIF playoffs.”
The Centurions did not go away quietly in the top of the seventh inning.
Cypress had runners at first and second with one out. Tia Hernandez then hit a hard grounder to third that Serena Antillon gloved, tagged third base and threw to first to complete a double play and end the game.
Pacifica Coach Tony Arduino said it was a huge win for his team.
“The last few games we made eight errors but today our infield and outfielders played one of their best games of the season,” said Arduino. “We feel when we play good defense, we can beat anybody. Today, was one of Shay’s best performances of the season. It was a key win. I think we scored two runs in the last two games, but today we got some big hits and scored some runs. We challenged the girls during practice over the last few days and they responded.”
Cypress Coach Terry Thompson said it was a disappointing loss.
“I think we were a little over anxious at the plate today; we need to be a little more selective,” said Thompson. “We had our opportunities, and in the sixth inning we had the bases loaded, but didn’t capitalize. I still think we’ll be in the playoffs. I’m expecting the CIF to select at least four teams from our league for post season.”
Notes:
—Five Pacifica seniors were honored on senior day: Leyla Ayres, Sophia Case, Arianna Salas, Abigail Amezquita, and Ariyah Hill.
—In the top of the second inning, Mariners catcher Ayres injured her left thumb on a foul tip. The game was was delayed several minutes, while Ayres had her thumb rapped by the team trainer. In the true sense as a competitor, she remained in the game for the duration and played a key role. She had a double, scored two runs and was on base three times.
—Magic anyone? Veteran CIF umpire Mike Thomas was the home plate umpire for the game. Before the game, Thomas entertained several fans with some fascinating magic card tricks. Thomas said he’s been performing magic for many years. He also has been an umpire for 54 years and said he’s worked 400 sporting events last year.
The post Pacifica remains in hunt for Crestview League title with key victory over Cypress first appeared on .