Softball Recap: St. Patrick-St. Vincent Comes Up Short

St. Patrick-St. Vincent extended their losing streak to four on Wednesday, dropping their season record down to 1-16 in the process. They came up short against the Pinole Valley Spartans, falling 19-1. Unfortunately, that's the second time they've come up short against the Spartans this season, as they also lost their prior matchup 21-0 back in March.

As for Pinole Valley, they are on a roll lately: they've won four of their last five matchups. That's provided a nice bump to their 12-7 record this season. The result was nothing new for Pinole Valley, who have now won nine contests by six runs or more so far this season.

For Pinole Valley's part, Mckenzie Ortega made a splash while hitting and pitching. She looked comfortable on the mound, keeping things locked down with no earned runs or hits while striking out seven over five innings pitched. Ortega has been consistent for a while: she hasn't tossed less than six strikeouts any time she's pitched this season. She was also big at the plate, getting on base in all four of her plate appearances with four runs and one RBI. That's the most runs she has posted since back in March.

In other batting news, Pinole Valley let Ayla Serrano and Julissa Sanchez run wild. Serrano went a perfect 3-for-3 with four runs, four RBI, and one stolen base, while Sanchez got on base in all five of her plate appearances with three stolen bases and four runs. That's the most RBI Serrano has posted since back in March. Another player making a difference was Mariah Davidson, who went 1-for-3 with three RBI and one run.

Both teams are looking forward to the support of their home crowds in their upcoming games. St. Patrick-St. Vincent will welcome Salesian College Preparatory at 4:00 p.m. on Thursday. The Pride will roll in looking for their ninth straight victory, something the Bruins surely won't give up without a fight. As for Pinole Valley, they will look to defend their home field on Friday against De Anza at 4:30 p.m.