Crowd comes out to support ‘Balers to victory
San Jose – Hollister fans had little to cheer about during Saturday’s CCS Division I softball game at PAL Stadium in San Jose. But they plenty to cheer about afterward.
Sure, San Benito turned a double play early in the game and played solid error-free defense throughout to force Watsonville to leave 10 runners on base for the game – including three in a bases loaded situation in one inning. But it wasn’t until the eighth inning when the mostly-reserved San Benito fans were really able to let loose and heartily cheer for their team.
Rachel Maheu hit a double – the first extra-base hit of the game, and Elena Fata chopped a ball through to score the game’s only run and give San Benito High its first section title.
San Benito fans started to get into the game in the seventh after pitcher Marisa Ibarra struck out the side.
The ‘Balers looked to have the perfect opportunity to win the game in the bottom of the seventh after getting a runner to third with only one out.
“It suddenly got really hot out here,” said one Watsonville fan in the stands after the runner reached second.
Watsonville got out of the jam, raising a raucous response from Wildcatz fans. But it was the San Benito faithful that got the final hurrah.
When the one hour, 44 minute game ended, both sides stood and cheered as the champions and runners-up were announced. Hollister fans and players gathered behind the dugout to celebrate the victory afterwards.
During the game, Watsonville fans sat on the left field line and Hollister fans on the right side – comprising the full-house crowd at PAL Stadium. The two sides enjoyed a defensive battle as both pitchers kept hitters off-balance.
Some fans brought handwritten signs like ‘Wildcatz Rock’ and ‘Go ‘Balers’ Some fans brought signs in support of their favorite players – usually a child or grandchild.
Some fans brought their own lawn chairs to set up on the left field line. Some brought umbrellas to get some shade. There was a slight chill in the air at the 11am start, but it quickly warmed up, providing a great atmosphere for a ballgame. There was a steady breeze – the American flag was blowing out left center field.
One family even brought its RV that and parked in left field, posting a red ‘Balers sign on one of the smokestacks. Robert Gatto, father of San Benito player Lizzy Gatto, sat on top watching the game while getting frequent updates by cell phone from his wife in the stands because the scoreboard was out of view.
“It’s a great vantage point,” said Gatto, who would later be taking his daughter to an under-18 softball tournament in Stockton. “A weekend of softball, It doesn’t get any better than this.”
The game drew many family and friends. Catcher Ashley Perreira was one player who had parents and grandparents at the game.
“It’s been a lot of fun,” said her grandpa Tibbs. Along with his wife Maxine, he had been to several games this season. “They’ve had a tremendous time together this year.”
Father Garry Perreira attributed the victory to the length pitcher Ibarra and catcher Perreira have played together and how well they communicate.
But some fans attributed the win to lucky charms like a red, white and black blanket.
There were even some fans with mixed loyalties. John Torres, father of the Wildcatz pitcher who took the loss, was just glad to see two local teams do so well. He coaches the Central Coast Shock, a traveling team for which several Hollister athletes play.
“Seeing Hollister and Watsonville in the championship really makes my day,” Torres said. “I love them both. They are both beautiful, beautiful teams. They both played awesome. The game was a testament to what types of teams they both have.”
