Warriors Score Walk-Off Victory over Pirates

TORRANCE, Calif. --- El Camino College overcame a two-run deficit and snapped a two-game skid with a 3-2 non-conference victory over Orange Coast on Monday afternoon at the ECC Softball Field.

The Warriors (13-11) fell behind early but tied the game in the fourth and scored the winning run in the seventh to secure the win over the Pirates (12-10).

Alyssa Lujan and Leesa Parral each had two hits on the day as six of the nine players that started recorded a hit. Parral had a double and a triple and Liz Cortez also had a triple.

Cortez also picked up the victory in the circle after tossing three innings of scoreless relief. She retired all nine batters she faced in order and recorded one strikeout.

Destiny Ostorga started the game for ECC and went four innings, allowing two runs on seven hits, recording one strikeout.

The Pirates took an early lead in the first inning as they scored two runs on three hits including an RBI triple followed by an RBI single for a 2-0 lead after one.

It stayed that way until the fourth inning when the Warriors put together a two-out rally. Parral started the charge with a triple to center field. Jamelah Lewis then came up and snuck an infield hit past a diving Hailey Pichardo at third base. Shortstop Taylor Andolsek was able to get to the ball on the edge of the infield but had no play at any base as Parral scored and made it 2-1.

Cortez then laced an RBI triple down the right-field line to knot things up at 2-2 and end starting pitcher Ashlee Kean's day in the circle.

Ashley Hester came in to pitch in relief and retired Sarah Reels to end the inning and keep the game tied.

The Warriors got a runner on base in the fifth and sixth innings but could not cash in the go-ahead run in either instance.

In the seventh, the Warriors got the leadoff batter on as Reels lined a single to center. The Warriors would then catch a big break as Reels advanced on a passed ball to put herself in scoring position. Pinch-hitter Haile Torres sacrificed Reels over to third and, with one out, pinch-hitter Noemi Sandoval won the game with an infield single to third.

Sandoval hit a grounder to the left side and Pichardo was able to dive and stop the ball, but it was hit so slowly that by the time she got up with the ball Reels had already crossed home plate to win the game for ECC.

The Warriors will return to South Coast Conference action on Tuesday with a home game against Long Beach. First pitch is set for 3 p.m.