Softball Needs 10 Innings For 4th Straight Victory

The Pasadena City College softball team had a win snatched from its fingertips in the bottom of the seventh only to score two runs in the 10th inning in outlasting host Santa Ana College, 6-5, on Friday. The Lancers (5-3) picked up their fourth consecutive victory.

PCC led 4-1 but Santa Ana rallied for three runs, two down to its final out in the seventh to force extra frames. In the 10th inning, the international tiebreaker rule took effect as each team would have a runner placed on second base in their respective at-bats.

With Olivia Nanez placed at second, Lancers first baseman Marcella Ordonez dropped a bunt single, then stole second to put runners in scoring position at second and third. Second baseman Gabi Perez followed with a grounder that resulted in scoring both runners on an error by the Dons' first baseman to grab a 6-4 lead.

In the bottom of the 10th, PCC starter Kiley Kraft, who returned to the circle in the eighth after pitching the first five innings, gave up a run and again Santa Ana put the pressure on with two outs. Sierra Griego doubled to left to put the tying run on second.

Kraft though capped the victory by striking out Brittany Van Sickle for the final out. Kraft moved to 3-0 by completing eight full innings, allowing six hits, two runs (one earned), and walking two with two Ks. 

Trailing 1-0 in the top of the fifth, the Lancers posted four runs thanks to a 2-RBI single up the middle by Ordonez and a 2-run double by Alyssa Guzman. Ordonez batted 3-for-4 overall and centerfielder Breanna Rodriguez was 2-for-4 and recorded one of the team's five stolen bases. Shortstop Danielle Ruiz went 1-for-3 and drew two walks. 

Pasadena won't return to action until Friday, Feb. 17 when they travel to play two games at Bakersfield College. PCC faces the host Renegades at 11:30 a.m. and then take on Fullerton at 1:30 p.m.