Thanks to an eighth inning inside the park home run by Ellie Burley, the San Benito softball team escaped the second round of the Central Coast Section playoffs Saturday in a thrilling 4-3 victory over North Salinas. It’s the fourth time the Balers defeated the Vikings this year.
Saturday’s victory was the Balers most difficult over North Salinas this year. The Balers struck for three runs in the bottom of the third inning but North Salinas struck right back thanks to a three-run home run by Tobi Mendozza.
San Benito pitcher Megan Sabbatini was dominant, throwing all eight innings and striking out 13 batters. She didn’t allow a base runner until the Vikings’ three run fourth inning.
Burley finished the game with two RBIs.
With the victory, San Benito will play Homestead at 7 p.m. Wednesday at San Jose PAL Stadium.
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