Big Second Inning Aides Softball’s Win over East LA

After being rained out on Monday, the Riverside City College softball team hosted the East Los Angeles Huskies in non-conference action. Riverside leaned on a big six-run inning early in the game to distance themselves from the Huskies leading to an 8-5 win.

Since dropping nine of their last 10 games, the Tigers have won two of their last three behind strong pitching and steady offense. 

A massive six run second inning put the Tigers in great position to win the game. After the Huskies pushed two across in the top of the frame, Riverside got to work.

Freshman designated player Julianna Garcia kicked off the rally with a double down the left field line that nearly cleared the outfield wall. Freshman center fielder Alexis Pelayo reached base via error, and freshman starting pitcher Alyssa Valdez loaded the bases with a base hit to center field.

Freshman second baseman Sarah Franco-Colis dug into the box with the bases juiced and connected for a two-RBI double to center field, plating Garcia and Pelayo. Freshman left fielder Alexis View followed by putting the ball in play to score Valdez and reached on a fielder's choice. The flood did not stop there as sophomore backstop Alicia Rivera punched a single through the left side, allowing Sa. Franco-Colis and View to touch home. Freshman third baseman Cheyenne Becerra capped the inning with an RBI single up the middle, scoring freshman first baseman Alicia Fitzgerald, leading to a 6-2 lead.

East Los Angeles continued to battle by scoring three runs in the top of the third inning, but Riverside responded with two insurance runs in the bottom half. Fitzgerald came up with one out and dropped a single into left field, plating freshman shortstop Sophia Franco-Colis and Pelayo to snag a 8-5 lead.

Freshman reliever Jazmine Lara entered the circle in the top of the fourth inning and was lights out. A three run lead was plenty as she allowed a mere four hits and no runs leading to the victory.

Becerra finished the day going 3-for-4 with two doubles and an RBI, while Fitzgerald stayed hot by going 2-for-4 with two RBI and a run scored.

Valdez (3-1) earned the win a despite being tagged for five runs on seven hits. None of allowed runs were earned.