Knights, Phipps Get 2 Wins over Victor Valley

San Diego City swept Saturday's doubleheader against Victor Valley, winning the first game 10-4 and the second 2-0 with pitcher Hadley Phipps earning two victories allowing only one run in 8.2 total innings. 

The Knights started the first game on a high note after scoring three runs in the bottom of the first. Shyann Beddow singled in the first run on a bunt squeeze, which was followed by Savannah Turner's ground-out RBI. Mikayla Mercado came up next and hit a single to center field that allowed Beddow to come home.

Victor Valley responded with three runs of its own in the top of the 2nd, but City regained a two-run lead in the bottom half of the 2nd after Madison Stephenson and Beddow hit back-to-back RBI-doubles.

City tacked on three more runs in the 5th to take an 8-4 lead. Beddow scored on an error, Irina Lainez crossed home plate after a wild pitch, and Karah Barajas drove in the final run of the inning on a ground out.

Phipps relieved starting pitcher Araceli Teran in the top of the 3rd and gave up one run off three hits in the final five innings. After she retired the side in the top of the 6th, the Knights added two more runs in the bottom of the 6th on a double steal that scored Cali De La Rosa from third base and a Turner RBI-single.

Phipps then shut down Victor Valley in the 7th to secure the 10-4 win.

The Knights scored the only two runs they needed in the bottom of the 1st of the second game of the day. Sydney Letzing led off with a single, stole second base, and then scored on Stephensen's single through the right side. 

With two out, Nikki Rocha hit a double to left field which allowed Stephenson to score the second run.

City's starting pitcher Lexi Lopez did not allow a run in the 3.1 innings she pitched and Phipps finished off the game without Victor Valley scoring as they combined for the shutout victory. 

The Knights are now 9-9 on the season and will be home for two PCAC games next week. They will host Imperial Valley on Tuesday at 2 p.m. and Grossmont on Thurdsay, March 6, also at 2 p.m.

There will be a Women's History Month celebration during Thurdsay's game with free admission, free food, and a replica jersey giveaway to the first 200 in attendance.