The top of the order was plenty productive over the weekend for
the San Benito softball team.
The top of the order was plenty productive over the weekend for the San Benito softball team.
JC Clayton, Rachel Maheu and Elena Fata, the Nos. 1, 2 and 3 hitters for the Haybalers, combined for 11 hits as San Benito earned a pair of victories in opening–round play of the Watsonville Tournament.
Maheu went 3 for 3 with two runs scored, Fata went 2 for 3 with a double and three RBIs, and Clayton singled, walked and scored twice as the ‘Balers opened play with a 6-0 win over Monterey.
Pitcher Marisa Ibarra allowed three hits and struck out three while pitching the shutout.
In the next game, Clayton and Maheu both went 2 for 4 with a double and Fata doubled, scored three runs and had a sacrifice fly in a 11-1 win over Santa Cruz.
Lizzy Gatto, the team’s No. 4 hitter, contributed a 3 for 3 day with a double and a walk as she reached base in all four plate appearances.
Against the Cardinals, the ‘Balers scored twice in the first and twice in the second before breaking the game open with a seven-run fifth inning.
Santa Cruz’s only damage off Ibarra was a third-inning home run. Otherwise, she struck out 10 and allowed three hits and one walk before the game was called due to the mercy rule after five innings.
San Benito moves on to the semifinals at 9:30am Saturday against Soquel, where a win would likely set up a showdown with Watsonville – the team the ‘Balers beat in the Central Coast Section Division I finals last season and opened the year against with a 3-0 win.
The ‘Balers return to Tri-County Athletic League action at 4:30pm today when they travel to face Alvarez. They will also be on the road at 4:30pm Thursday against Alisal.
