After tying the game 1-all in the bottom of the fourth inning at
home against Notre Dame Thursday, Gilroy High’s softball team
looked like it was about to capture control of the contest.
After tying the game 1-all in the bottom of the fourth inning at home against Notre Dame Thursday, Gilroy High’s softball team looked like it was about to capture control of the contest.
But a four-run fifth inning for the Spirits caused the Mustangs to give away a crucial game in the competitive Tri-County Athletic League. The result was a 5-2 defeat, the first for Gilroy (13-3, 1-1) in league this season. Notre Dame improved to 9-3 (2-0 TCAL), mainly due to the offensive outburst in the fifth and pitcher Kylie Linnane’s 11 strikeouts.
Gilroy coach Catherine Hallada thought the umpire’s strike zone was a bit liberal on the outside parts of the plate, but added “we still have to hit to win.”
The biggest concern for the Mustangs was on defense.
“We came out ready, we came out pumped up, but in the key moments, they’re not talking to each other,” Hallada said. “The girls just need to communicate with each other during plays on the field, and practice will help that.”
At the plate, Gilroy was near equal to Notre Dame, which had one more hit than the Mustangs with seven. Bringing runs around was the difference. Emily Castro and Kylie Harrada both had two hits, while Angelica Galindo was 1-2 and Jasmine Perez was 1-3. Melinda Ortiz took the defeat pitching for Gilroy, allowing four runs in 4 2/3 innings of work. Sarah Lira pitched two innings of relief, giving up only one hit.
Gilroy’s next game will be Wednesday at 3:45 p.m. at Archbishop Mitty.
