Errors hurt San Marcos Softball in 5-2 Channel League Loss to Rio Mesa
by Dennis Moran, Noozhawk Correspondent March 3, 2023 | 8:06 pm
Costly errors hurt San Marcos in a 5-2 Channel League loss at Rio Mesa Friday.
The teams battled to a scoreless tie through the bottom of the fourth inning, when Rio Mesa put together three consecutive singles followed by a Royals error for a 3-0 lead.
The Royals scored two in the top of the sixth. With one out, Emma Foster walked, and when Gigi Gritt put down a sac bunt, a late throw to second made both runners safe. Caitlyn Early hit a short popup in front of the plate but the throw to first was wild, scoring Foster. Gianna Mandarino, pinch running for Gritt, advanced to third. Two pitches later Mandarino scored on a wild pitch making it 3-2.
In the bottom of the sixth, three consecutive San Marcos errors led to two more Rio Mesa runs and a 5-2 score.
On the plus side defensively, San Marcos’ Kayla Aguilar started a nice 4-6-3 double play to Caitlyn Early and Charlotte Hastings for a quick 1-2-3 inning in the fourth.
Kate Guerra went the distance for the Royals, scattering seven hits and pitching out of a bases loaded jam in the bottom of the first inning, inducing an inning ending ground out.
Kamilah Morales led off the fifth inning with a double, but she was left stranded.
“We played a solid five innings, and then the game sped up a bit and we lost some focus which led to some unearned runs,” San Marcos coach Jeff Swann said.
“Despite the errors, I’m proud of how the team fought back to put runners on base against a very good Rio Mesa team. This was the best pitching we have seen this early in the season and I’m happy how the girls attacked the ball.”
The Royals are now 2-1 overall and 2-1 in league play. They play St. Bonaventure and Pioneer Valley at home on Saturday.