For nine innings the Live Oak girls softball team battled
visiting Hollister in the Tri-County League opener Thursday
afternoon. Neither team wanted to give way until Hollister (6-1,
1-0 TCAL) was able to pull out a 2-1 win in the ninth inning.
For nine innings the Live Oak girls softball team battled visiting Hollister in the Tri-County League opener Thursday afternoon.
Neither team wanted to give way until Hollister (6-1, 1-0 TCAL) was able to pull out a 2-1 win in the ninth inning.
With runners at first and second in the ninth inning, coach Barry McDonnell knew the steal of third was coming.
“It was a delayed steal,” McDonnell said. “They ran right into. We were ready for it.”
But the throw from pitcher Jackie Jacob got by shortstop Catalina Rawers, who was covering third base. Left fielder Kaitlen McHargue backed up the play perfectly but the ball rolled along the fence instead of bouncing off as McHargue expected. That allowed Amy Baxter, who singled to score the game-winning run.
“You can’t pin anyone fault on it,” McDonnell said. “The throw was strong, the tag was quick and the play was backed up well. They just got the bounce.”
McDonnell has stressed doing the little things all this year to win games. The Acorns were executing well in the early innings laying down bunts and moving runners over but were unable to score until the fifth inning.
Live Oak (3-5, 0-1 TCAL) led off that inning with a ball dropped by the third baseman. Samantha Ferry and Justine McDonald laid down perfect bunts, and Kristine Miles, who had two hits in the game, drove in the run with a knock up the middle.
But Hollister answered right back in the sixth inning with a run to tie the score.
The Acorn defense came up big several times in the game.
Hollister left two runners on base in the fifth inning after second baseman Eileen Grove made a nice catch on a little popup in foul territory.
In the sixth inning, Kim Dabo hit a double for Hollister and advanced to third on a wild pitch. Third baseman Katie Hillman snagged a ground ball and tossed to first base to leave Dabo stranded at third.
In the eighth inning after a leadoff walk, freshman center fielder Alyssa Adamo turned a double play with a nice catch and throw back to first.
Dani Hernandez got the win for Hollister, while Jacob tough the tough-luck loss. Neither pitcher gave up an earned run. Each team had five hits. Live Oak had four errors and Hollister had two.
“They played a really great game,” McDonnell said. “We had a couple of tough errors, but nothing blatant. I am proud of them. They played a super game. Both teams executed well. We are a young team and will keep fighting for the wins. This is the way they will be all year.”
It doesn’t get easier for the Acorns. On Wednesday, Live Oak will be playing North Salinas who worked out a 1-0 win over Norte Dame. North Salinas is ranked No. 8 in the state, while Notre Dame is ranked No. 17.
