In California's Sac-Joaquin Section Division 5 playoffs Monday,
Mesa Verde (Citrus Heights) roared back from an 18-run deficit to defeat
West Campus (Sacramento) 24-23. It was the program's first postseason victory in 30 years. See highlights from the remarkable comeback in the video.
All nine starters for Mesa Verde scored a run in the game while eight players reached home plate multiple times.
West Campus jumped out to a 9-0 lead in the first inning and extended its lead to 19-1 heading into the bottom of the fourth.
The Mesa Verde bats came alive with eight runs in the fourth as
Adrianna Jaimez and
Ellie Ray each had two RBI base knocks.
Down 21-11 in the sixth, Mesa Verde batted around and scored nine runs as Ray,
Salena Prout,
Ava Gallegos,
Madison Martin and
Joslyn Hoffman all drove in teammates. Hoffman had a RBI in each of her sixth inning at-bats. The Mavericks had a chance to do more damage but left the bases loaded.
West Campus tacked on two runs in the seventh and led 23-20.
The first two Mesa Verde batters got out in the final inning and the third,
Michelle Alexandru, was down to her last strike with a 1-2 count. She drew the walk and that was followed up by the next three runners reaching base before
Kendall Beasley tied the game with a two-run knock.
With the bases loaded and the game tied 23-23,
Ayvah Cabello was down 1-2. She drew a walk to win the game.
This is the first time since 2009 that Mesa Verde has won at least 10 games in a season. Next up is top-seeded
Hughson on Wednesday.
