CYPRESS, CA- Charger softball (26-3, 9-1 OEC) hosted a three game event against the Ventura Pirates (19-5-1, 7-0 WSC) and the El Camino Warriors (12-11, 3-7 SCC) on Saturday afternoon.
Game One vs Ventura, 5-0 (Cypress)
On a bright sunny day at Cypress College, the event was kicked off with a ceremonial first pitch from athletes within the Cypress Girls Softball League. In the state, the #11 Pirates faced off against the #3 Chargers to open up play. The home team got on the scoreboard out of the gate when they put up two runs in the bottom of the first inning. Leadoff hitter Emily Rush walked and then scored from a Kaitlyn Reynolds RBI double. A batter later, Camryn Addimando followed with a single to score Reynolds from second.
For the next three innings, the Chargers tallied one run in each frame. Rush began the effort with a run scoring hit to extend the lead to three. From miscommunication for the Pirates, Cypress was able to steal a run on the base paths. In the fourth, Jaylene Duarte hit a triple which scored Rush for the fifth and final run for the home team bats.
The Chargers went on to win the game 5-0 to defeat the state ranked Ventura Pirates. Rush had a successful day at the plate as they went 2-4 with an RBI, two runs scored and three walks. Addimando had a multi-hit game with 2-3 at the plate, an RBI and a run scored. Rush pitched a complete game, one hit shutout with five strikeouts. With the victory, Cypress won their 25th game on the season.
Game Two vs El Camino, 5-2 (Cypress)
Both teams off of a win against the Pirates, El Camino was set to compete against Cypress for the third game of the day. The first two innings were quiet for both offenses until the Chargers struck for one in the third. After two mistakes from the Warriors defense, an RBI sacrifice fly out from Duarte scored the game's first run.
El Camino responded with a run from their own sacrifice fly out in the top of the fourth. In the bottom of the frame, the home team took back the lead with four runs. After small ball execution, Ashlynn Ortiz knocked in Cameron Curiel from third. In a two-out opportunity, Duarte laced a line drive past the diving third baseman to extend the Chargers lead with a two RBI single. An at-bat later, Rodriguez crossed home from a wild pitch for a four run lead. The Warriors managed to tally a run in their final opportunity but it was too little too late.
Cypress swept El Camino in their season series and took the win 5-2. Duarte recorded a 2-2 day at the plate with two RBIs off of her two-out hit. Ortiz went 2-3 in the game with her run scored and RBI. On the mound, Rush pitched a second complete game on the day. She delivered 7.0 frames and only allowed two runs to score. The Chargers collected their 26th win on the day and swept the Warriors for the season.
UP NEXT: The Chargers will be on the road for their next game against the Golden West Rustlers on Wednesday, April 5th. First pitch will be at 2pm.
Stay connected with the Chargers through social media. Follow Cypress College Athletics on Twitter @CypressChargers. Check in with the Chargers on Facebook/CypressChargers and on Instagram @CypressChargers.
