DII: SULTANS CLIP GOLDEN EAGLES’ WINGS
- Updated: May 18, 2018
2018 EAST COUNTY PREP SOFTBALL
By Adam Paul
CIF SAN DIEGO SECTION DIVISION II PLAYOFFS
#3 SANTANA 2, #6 SAN PASQUAL 0
A strong pitching performance from Madison Mendez (1-3, R, 2 RBI, HR) and also her offense allowed the Sultans to claim the home victory.
Talking to Madison Mendez after santana df San Pasqual 2-0. https://t.co/rQ4vhdA61l
— EC Preps (@EC_Preps_SD) May 18, 2018
Santana had an opportunity in the bottom of the first to put runs on the board with two outs as Mackenzie Bennett (2-3) singled, Mackenzie Sims in to run, which was followed by Joey Barkhimer (1-3) reaching on an error on a ball misplayed by the third basemen. However, both would be stranded.
Once again the Sultans had a chance to get the first run and should have as Lakaila Aquiningoc-David (1-3, 2B) hit a high fly ball to left field that clearly hit the foul pole in fair territory and bounced back into the field of play for a home run. However, the home plate umpire made a very controversial call in ruling the ball hit the top of the fence and back into the field of play. With no change in the call, Aquiningoc-David stood at second but wouldn’t advance any further.
Moving to the bottom of the third inning with the game still scoreless the top of the lineup for the Sultans were coming up. Leadoff hitter Krysten Service (RUN) drew a four-pitch walk, Mendez followed on an 0-1 count crushing the next offering over the scoreboard to the tennis court fence for the 2-run bomb to give the Sultans the 2-0 lead.
Santana threatened for more in the bottom of the fourth as Shelby Holmquist (1-3) singled, Emma Leggett hit into fielder’s choice but would be safe, Natalie (1-3) Sims singled to advance Leggett to second. Both wouldn’t advance any further.
San Pasqual put together a mini-threat in the top of the fifth with two outs as Mendez gave up back-to-back hits but she would retire the next batter to end the inning.
Still leading 2-0 the Sultans had another opportunity in the bottom of the fifth when Bennett and Barkhimer consecutively singled. However, none would score.
With one out the Golden Eagles threatened again as Annie Villalobos reached on an error and Rocky Moore singled to put runners on first and second. The next batter Autumn Crawford hit a rocket shot to right field that was caught by Sims who instinctively threw the ball to first to double up the runner for the double play and end the inning.
That would be the closest the Golden Eagles would score the rest of the way despite a walk in the top of the seventh but Mendez was able to retire Lauren Maggio on a groundball to end the game.
For the Golden Eagles Moore went 6 innings giving up 2 runs which were both earned on 7 hits while walking 1 and striking out 3.
On the other side for the Sultans Mendez went all 7 innings for the complete game victory allowing 0 runs on 5 hits while walking 3 and striking out 8 on the day.
With the win, the Sultans will now travel once again down the desert to once again take on the Brawley Wildcats who are seeded No. 2 for a 10 am scheduled contest on Saturday.
