CYPRESS, CA- Charger softball (35-6) ranked #3 in SoCal walked-off the #14 Pasadena Lancers (24-17) in the first game of the series on Friday afternoon, 4-3.
The softball squad earned home field advantage for the First Round of the 3C2A SoCal Regionals as they took on the Pasadena Lancers. Cypress secured game one of the series with a comeback in the seventh inning.
Though both sides threatened by putting runners on base, neither offense could cross home plate in the first inning. The Chargers would be the first to score as Lizbeth Gomez smashed a solo shot to take the lead in the bottom of the second.
The Lancers kept the game close and eventually tied it in the fourth inning. After small ball execution, a two out single from Pasadena City knotted the score at one apiece. The visiting team continued their scoring in the fifth as they took their first lead of the day. A costly error and two walks filled the bases for the Lancers. A two-RBI base hit gave Pasadena City the 1-3 edge.
Down by two in the bottom of the seventh inning, Cypress mounted a comeback. Gomez continued her impressive day at the plate as she led off the seventh with a double to ignite the dugout. A key error allowed Cameron Curiel to reach and a single from Ashlynn Ortiz filled the bases.
A sacrifice fly from Jolee Rodriguez put the team within one as each runner advanced. The Lancers pitched around and walked the Orange Empire Conference MVP, Emily Rush, to put runners on each bag yet again. Jaylene Durate stepped up to the plate and delivered the game winning two-RBI hit.
At the plate, Gomez had an impressive day as she went 3-3 with a home run, double and two runs scored. Duarte came up clutch when it mattered as she went 2-4 with two RBI and the big walk-off hit. In the pitching circle, Rush pitched a complete game, only allowed two earned runs and struck out four. The Chargers recovered from a rough start with a comeback that put them ahead 1-0 in the three-game series.
UP NEXT: Cypress will continue their three-game series against Pasadena City with game 2 on Saturday, May 6th. First pitch at 12pm and per 3C2A regulations, Admission will be $12 general, $8 for children under 12 and seniors 55+ (All Sports Season Passes are not accepted for playoffs).
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