Downes knocks in 4, Eagles sink Mariners
- Updated: March 28, 2024
2024 EAST COUNTY PREP SOFTBALL
By Adam Paul
CHULA VISTA – Overcoming four errors on Thursday the Granite Hills Eagles racked up 10 hits as they claimed a 6-4 road win over the Mar Vista Mariners in non-league action.
Granite Hills who hadn’t played for almost a week or so showed no rust early as they jumped out to a 2-0 lead thanks to Mia Downes (2-4, 2B, 4 RBI) who brought home both Payton Sos (1-1, R, SB) and Audrey Smale (2-3, 3 R, SB).
After Mar Vista was able to tie the score in the bottom of the second inning the Eagles again would strike as Sofia Mujica (2-4, 2 R, RBI, HR) led off with a solo blast over the center field fence for her fourth of the season. Later Downes would hit into a fielder’s choice to bring home the second run of the inning and make it 4-2.
Mar Vista again would tie the game at 4-4 in the bottom of the fourth inning but Granite Hills would erase that as they retook the lead on a two-out RBI double by Downes that brought home Mujica who led off with a single.
Leading 5-4 the Eagles would tack on an insurance run in the top of the seventh inning behind Payton Wells as she laced a double to left field allowing Smale to come around and score.
Wells who came into the contest in relief picked up the win as she tossed five and two-thirds innings and allowed two runs (both earned) on three hits while walking one and striking out four. Sos who started for the Eagles tossed an inning and a third allowing two runs on one hit while walking two and striking out two.
Granite Hills improve to 5-6 overall.
MATER DEI CATHOLIC 10, VALHALLA 0 (5 INN.) – Strong pitching and taking advantage of multiple errors allow the Mater Dei Catholic Crusaders to cruise to a shortened victory over Valhalla in non-league action Thursday.
Offensively the Norsemen could manage three hits in the contest.
Preslee Fink, Taylor Mack, and Natalia Marco each had a hit for the Norsemen.
Valhalla has now lost six games in a row and falls to 1-13 overall.
