Gilroy
– It had been a while since everything clicked for Gilroy in a
Tri–County Athletic League game. But on Wednesday, everything
did.
The bad weather never made its way down to Gilroy from Morgan
Hill.
Gilroy – It had been a while since everything clicked for Gilroy in a Tri–County Athletic League game. But on Wednesday, everything did.
The bad weather never made its way down to Gilroy from Morgan Hill. The GHS defense put up a virtual wall against the Acorn hitters. And most importantly, the ‘Stangs made clutch plays when it mattered most.
The result was a 1–0 shutout of Live Oak for the Mustangs’ second TCAL victory this season. And, of course, a little revenge.
In the rivals’ first meeting April 13, the ‘Stangs (2–7 in TCAL/13–12 overall) narrowly lost 3–2 in a game head coach Julie Berggren was tossed from in the third inning for arguing a call at home plate.
“This was a much better than we played last game, from what I saw (of that game),” Berggren said, poking fun at her ejection.
The Gilroy defense and pitcher Sarah Villar kept the Acorns scoreless. Combined, shortstop Kayla Aldridge and second baseman Yolanda Esquivel had 10 put–outs for the game.
The Acorns (6–2 in TCAL/19–6 overall) had their best scoring opportunities in the second and seventh innings. In the top of the second, Kelly McDonald (single) and Sabrina LaCorte (fielder’s choice bunt) advanced to third and second on a passed ball. But Villar worked the ‘Stangs out of the jam by striking out Amanda Rosevear and getting Danielle Austin to pop–out to Esquivel at second.
“I love our defense,” Berggren said. “They make me happy. I don’t get too nervous when balls are hit.”
In the bottom of the sixth, the ‘Stangs got some offense going. Patty Olvera cranked a first–pitch rise ball from Acorn ace pitcher Juliette Bowers (17–6) to left field for a double, which drove in Dana Schoeneman (single) from third and gave the ‘Stangs the 1–0 lead.
“It looked like it was going (over the fence),” said Olvera. “But it didn’t, so I was like ‘Oh, I need to get going!’ I kinda stood there a little.”
In the top of the seventh inning, it was Aldridge who came up with a much–needed defensive play.
With Acorn runners on first and second, Live Oak’s Sabrina LaCorte hit a grounder to Aldridge, who turned a double play to Esquivel and first baseman Erin Magill.
“That was a nice double play,” Olvera said. “After that, we knew we would win.”
With two outs and a runner on third, the Acorns still had a chance. But Rosevear popped up a foul ball to ‘Stangs third baseman Amanda Tellez (2–for–3, double, single) which ended the game.
The Mustangs play their last regular season game Wednesday against Salinas.
