Riverside Closes Out Regular Season with Late-Inning Loss

The Riverside City College softball team wrapped up Orange Empire Conference (OEC) regular season action against the Orange Coast College Pirates at home. After falling behind early, the Tigers snagged a one run lead entering into the top of the seventh inning. However, a six-run seventh inning from the Pirates handed the Tigers a tough 8-3 loss.

The Pirates struck first in the top of the second inning, but Riverside quickly responded in the bottom of the third inning to tie the ball game. Freshman right fielder Alexis Pelayo led the inning off with a walk, but was caught stealing the next pitch. Freshman tandem Sophia Franco-Colis and Jazmine Lara each drew walks, backed by a single from freshman center fielder Tessah Black to load the bases. Freshman designated player Alicia Fitzgerald came through in the clutch with a base hit through the left side, scoring So. Franco-Colis to tie the game at one all.

Orange Coast responded the following inning, but the Tigers pushed across another run in the bottom of the fourth inning with a single from freshman second baseman Sarah Franco-Colis, scoring freshman catcher Julianna Garcia.

Lara, who started the game in the circle, followed the next frame by tossing a scoreless inning. Fitzgerald took advantage and gave the Tigers the lead by blasting a solo shot over the right field wall to hand Riverside a 3-2 advantage.

However, the Pirates dug deep to plate six runs in the final frame handing the Tigers an 8-3 defeat.

Riverside finishes the season with an overall record of 11-28 and a conference mark of 3-18. They will round out their season in the OEC Tournament on the road starting this Friday, April 22 at a time and location to be determined. Stay tuned to www.rccathletics.com for more information.