STOCKTON, CA -- Linden´s bats aome out hot in a 8-2 victory over Hughson in the quarterfinals of the Sac-Joaquin Section softball playoffs, carrying the Lions into the semi-final round of post-season play.
Madison Lara got things started for Linden in the bottom of the first bringing in Carly Lucchetti and Gabby Herrera off a double to give Linden a early 2-0 lead. Linden´s momentum only continued into the second inning, as Brooke Bryant hit a solo home run to right field to highlight the frame. Later in the inning, Herrera doubled to bring in Lucchetti to close the bottom of the second with a nice 4-0 lead. Linden’s bats continued to fire away in the third, as Bryant singled, bringing in Amber Andrews. A few moments later, Emily Dondero would do the same, bringing in Katelyn Messersmith to close out the third inning.
Hughson came into the fourth knowing they had to do something if they wanted to get back in the game. Amanda Fisher started the surge, singling to bring in Marijane Lopez to give Hughson their first run of the game. Later in the inning Jo Dowdy did the same, bringing in Jaden Brazil to cut down Linden´s lead to four.
Linden later responded to Hughson´s two runs in the bottom of the fifth with a Bryant single bringing in Andrews to advance Linden's lead to five. Andrews later closed Linden´s hits off in the sixth with a single bringing Herrera to give Linden a nice cushion heading into the top of the seventh. Hughson attempted to catch up, but failed to bring in any runs advancing Linden to a 8-2 victory.
Linden pitcher Hannah Ortega closed the game out with eight strikeouts and only allowed four hits in her seven inning span to help lift her team the victory.
“We knew what we wanted to do coming into this game and we did a great job executing in all areas,” said Linden pitcher Hannah Ortega. “We got Escalon tomorrow we saw them earlier in the season and lost 6-5 so we're going to be out for some revenge.”
“Our hitting and pitching was great tonight, and I think we executed very well against Hughson ,” said Linden head coach Mark Miller. “We got Escalon tomorrow and were going to look take care of business.”
“We definitely need to come out sharper we came out too tight today and let them get too far away,” said Hughson head coach Rod Cree. “At this point we’re going to take things one game at a time and look at what's next.”
#2 Linden now moves on to face #1 Escalon Thursday in the semi-final round, while #3 Hughson moves into the losers bracket to face #5 Hilmar. First pitch is set for 5pm for both games at the Arnaiz Softball Complex.
Division V Round 2 Results
#1 Escalon 11 Vs #5 Hilmar 1
