Softball: Pair of three-run home runs guides Cerritos to 13-2 win

File Photo: Alyssa Sotelo hit a three-run home run against LA Harbor
File Photo: Alyssa Sotelo hit a three-run home run against LA Harbor

Adopting the hitting philosophy of former Baltimore Orioles manager Earl Weaver, the Cerritos College softball team hit a pair of three-run home runs to help beat host Los Angeles Harbor College, 13-2 in five innings on Tuesday. Quoted as saying, "The key to winning baseball games is pitching, fundamentals, and three run homers", the Falcons took Weaver's advice and hit a pair of them in an eight-run second inning against the Seahawks.

Leading 1-0 after the first inning, freshman outfielder Jocelyn Doan (Walnut HS) and sophomore outfielder Alyssa Capps (Downey HS) led off by reaching on bunt singles. Up stepped sophomore second baseman Alyssa Sotelo (El Rancho HS), who blasted the first pitch for a home run and a 4-0 advantage. The inning continued with sophomore first baseman Richere Leduc (California HS) lacing a double and then moved to third base in a single by sophomore third baseman Brooklyn Bedolla (Mayfair HS). Sophomore shortstop Miranda Diaz (California HS) followed with a two-run double.

After freshman designated player Natalie Basurto (Walnut HS) drew a walk, freshman catcher Jimena Velazquez (Fullerton HS) hit her second three-run home run in as many days.

Sophomore starting pitcher Samantha Islas (Roosevelt HS) tossed the first two innings and the last inning to pick up the win, as she allowed three hits in her shutout innings.

Bedolla added to the lead with a two-run double in the third inning, while Leduc clubbed her third hit of the game in the fourth inning to drive in the final run.

Leduc went 3-for-3 with a walk and two runs scored, while Sotelo (2-for-4, three RBI), Velazquez (1-for-2, three RBI), Bedolla (2-for-3, walk, two RBI), Diaz (2-for-3, four RBI), Capps (2-for-3) and freshman outfielder Jazmine Macias (2-for-3, two runs) all had multiple hit games.

The Falcons (12-9, 6-2) travel to El Camino College on Thursday for a 3:00 p.m. South Coast Conference game.