by Dennis McCall
Taft Midway Driller

Meanwhile, the Cougar softball team dropped a doubleheader to visiting Merced College on Friday, losing the first game 13-12 on a disputed third strike call and the nightcap 8-2.

Head coach Kanoe Bandy said her team rallied in the bottom of the seventh to tie the game, then saw Merced score once in the top of the eighth to take a one-run lead. TC loaded the bases in the home half of the inning with two outs only to have hopes dashed on a strikeout.

Bandy admitted it was a bad call but was more upset with her batter.

"With two strikes you swing at anything close," she said.

Statistics on the first game were unavailable.

In the second game Merced banged 11 hits and took advantage of nine walks. A four-run fifth broke open a close game.

Merced first baseman Marta Mitchell drove in four runs with a homer and double and centerfielder Jennah Valdez went 4-for-4.

Cougar catcher Keana Ratcliff-Hogan went 3-for-3, Bailey San Agustin-Nordmeier doubled and Kelsey Wilmer tripled to drive in a run.

Alexandra Benevidez worked the circle for TC, giving up eight hits and nine walks.

The Cougars are at Porterville today for a single Central Valley Conference game and at Reedley Thursday for a doubleheader.