Gilroy’s girls Majors stayed undefeated (3-0) in the Western
Regionals Thursday night by squeaking out an incredible 7-6,
extra-innings victory over Southern California.
Vancouver, Wash. –Gilroy’s girls Majors stayed undefeated (3-0) in the Western Regionals Thursday night by squeaking out an incredible 7-6, extra-innings victory over Southern California.
The Northern California representatives saw the game’s lead seesaw back and forth before coming up with a walk-off double by Ashlee Williams in the bottom of the eight inning to score Randi Rogers.
Gilroy manager Dusty Lester said it was the type of game that ages a coach.
“My stomach has been bothering me all day and that didn’t help any,” he said. “I told the girls, ‘Is my hair still gray or do I not have any (left)?'”
Lester also mentioned that it was such a good game, neither team deserved to lose. At the same time, it didn’t feel bad to be the ones on top.
However, in the top of the seventh inning, it looked like Gilroy would be the one handed defeat as the team fell behind 6-5.
In the bottom half of the frame, Gilroy rebounded by scoring on a Sarina Sandoval sacrifice fly to bring home Amber Gamboa. Gamboa had hit a double before being moved to third on a Celeste Jimenez single.
The win does wonders for Gilroy’s chances of advancing to the finals of the Western Regionals.
“If we win tomorrow (against Arizona), then we take first place going into the finals,” Lester said.
The game started off well for Gilroy, who took a 2-1 lead after the first inning, and the squad extended that lead to 5-2 before a three-run fifth inning by SoCal tied the score.
Jimenez, Kaylana Mah, and Casey Lester each pitched in the game, but Gilroy’s manager said everyone pitched in.
“This was a total team effort,” he said. “Every girl on the team contributed somehow. Whether it was pinch running or making a play in the field, everyone contributed.”
With a win today against Arizona, the team will be a lock to advance to the “final four.” If the team loses, scoring differential will decide if the season is over.
