Softball Recap: Hollister Has No Trouble Against Watsonville

After only two runs in their last contest, Hollister made sure to put some runs up on the board against Watsonville on Wednesday. The Haybalers blew past the Wildcatz 14-2. Considering the Haybalers' hitters had been struggling lately, the high-scoring outing was a much-needed turnaround.

Eliana Hatchett spent all seven innings on the mound, and it's clear why: she surrendered two runs (both of which were unearned) on five hits.

Aleah Ruiz

Runs (Career)

05/14/25 @ Watsonville	2
05/07/25 vs Salinas	1
05/03/25 vs Willow Glen	1
04/23/25 vs Watsonville	1
04/16/25 @ Monterey	1

At the plate, Aleah Ruiz and Grace Peffley did most of the damage at the plate: Ruiz went 3-for-5 with one home run, five RBI, and two runs, while Peffley went 4-for-5 with four stolen bases, three runs, and three RBI. Those two runs gave Ruiz a new career-high. The team also got some help courtesy of Sophia Galindo, who got on base in four of her five plate appearances with two runs and one stolen base.

Hollister was getting hits left and right and finished the game having posted a batting average of .382. They easily outclassed their opponents in that department as Watsonville only posted a batting average of .192.

Hollister pushed their record up to 14-11 with the win, which was their third straight on the road. The road victories came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 8.3 runs over those games. As for Watsonville, they have been struggling recently as they've lost seven of their last eight games. That's put a noticeable dent in their 12-13 record this season.

Hollister does not have any more games scheduled as of now. As for Watsonville, they will head out on the road to face off against Carmel at 4:00 p.m. on Friday. The Padres will roll in looking for their fifth straight win, something the Wildcatz surely won't give up without a fight.