Dobbs is second-straight Eagle to pitch no-hitter
- Updated: March 6, 2019
2019 EAST COUNTY PREP SOFTBALL
East County sports.com staff report
ESCONDIDO (3-6-2019) – Granite Hills senior pitcher Catie Dobbs fired the second no-hitter by an Eagles pitcher this young season, stopping Vista, 12-0, in Tuesday’s (Mar. 5) pool-play action at the Cougar Classic at Kit Carson Park.
Dobbs registered 10 of her 12 outs in strikes. The one-sided ballgame was called after four innings by the tournament time limit.
Dobbs’ effort follows the no-hitter tossed by teammate Staci Chambers on Monday, as Granite Hills pitchers have yet to allow a base hit this season.
However, the amazing feat is not a first.
On the opening day of the 2007 season, Steele Canyon swept a doubleheader, with different Cougars pitcher also winning via the no-hit route. In fact, three pitchers were involved.
In Game 1, Samantha “Sam” Beasley, the 2006 East County pitcher of the year, and 2007 player of the year, and Irene Blumenstock combined on a no-hitter. Game 2 saw younger sister Erika Beasley also accomplished the feat in a complete-game effort. Both games went five innings via the run rule.
However, Steele Canyon also had a fourth pitcher throw a no-hitter.
Just six days later, Lorena Klopp, who later became the career home run hitter San Diego State, beat Cathedral Catholic on a no-no in a 5-1 triumph.
LINK: https://goaztecs.com/news/2012/2/11/SDSU_Softball_Splits_Against_Ranked_Teams.aspx
The Cougars would later whip the Dons in the CIF San Diego Section Division III semifinals, 12-0, before blanking Santana, 8-0, in the championship ballgame.
Could history repeat for Granite Hills? Well, starting by capturing the Cougar Classic would be a good start, as the champion almost annually becomes the top-ranked ballclub in the section and is considered the squad to beat for the CIF championship.
Just like Chambers, Dobbs also contributed a home run, while junior Haley Johnson also went deep among 14 hits off Panthers pitching.
After Sydney Huse opened the 2nd inning by reaching base on an error, Dobbs went deep to left field to open the s
Johnson opened the 4th with a solo homer to right, igniting a 5-run rally. Later, reserve third baseman Chloe Knepp stroked an RBI double to left, then scored on a base hit by corner outfielder Jaylee Jones.
Vista’s lone chance on offense ended abruptly. After Dobbs walked the first Panthers batter of the game, she tried to steal second base but was cut down on a perfect throw by Johnson. The only other Vista out no recorded on strikes was a pop out to reserve second baseman Julia
