The Haybaler softball team broke out of a mini slump with a 4-0
victory against St. Francis, a 9-2 victory over Los Gatos and a 5-2
victory over Independence in the Mission City Invitational, hosted
by Wilcox.
The Haybaler softball team broke out of a mini slump with a 4-0 victory against St. Francis, a 9-2 victory over Los Gatos and a 5-2 victory over Independence in the Mission City Invitational, hosted by Wilcox.
“I expected to beat all three of those teams,” said Baler coach Scott Smith. “I think we are better as far as talent goes. But after the Live Oak game, who knows what could happen. We haven’t reached our peak yet, and we are still getting better.”
San Bento (15-4, 4-2 TCAL) was coming off of league losses to Notre Dame and Live Oak. The two-game losing streak was the longest of the season.
“We hit the ball well against Notre Dame, but we probably had 15 popups against Live Oak – two of them dropped for base hits,” Smith said. “We have a few kids still doing that, but we are working hard to correct it.”
Pitcher Danielle Hernandez, who has started every game this year, earned the victory in all three games.
“Against St. Francis, Dani was really tough,” Smith said. “I think they had maybe one scoring chance in the whole game. We expect so much from her, yet she is still as good as any pitcher in CCS.”
Kristen Archuleta, who came in in relief against Los Gatos, gave up a double, but it didn’t hurt at all. Hernandez didn’t give up any earned runs in the three games and has yet to give up an extra-base hit this year. San Benito, on the other hand, has had about 20 extra base hits this year.
Jenny Maheu went 3 for 3 against St. Francis. She was able to beat out a little bunt late in the game. She went 9 for 12 during the tournament and played solid defense at shortstop. The Balers turned three double plays.
Hillary Williams knocked in a run in the first inning against St. Francis with a double and then had another RBI in the third inning to put the Balers up 2-0.
Archuleta, Amy Baxter, Rachelle Barientos also hit well for the Balers, Smith said. Sophomore JT Temperino, who had a chance to play at first base against Live Oak, came up with five hits in the tournament.
“I think she will be our missing link that we have been waiting to find,” Smith said. “She will probably see a lot of first base the rest of the year. Johni Kiesewetter could see some time in right field. She has been swinging a good bat recently.”
The Balers should be ranked No. 2 or No. 3 going into the championship round next Saturday after winning their first three games in pool play. San Benito will continue league play against visiting Gilroy on Thursday.
“Gilroy is well coached, and they played tough last weekend,” Smith said. “You have to get base hits to beat them. They are not going to beat themselves. We expect to beat them, but we won’t if we have another bad day with the bat like we had against Live Oak.”
Although the Balers look to have a CCS berth wrapped up, Smith said he is not taking anything for granted.
“The seeding that we get is critical, so we got a lot of work to do,” Smith said. “But we are still looking at league. We feel like we have to go undefeated. For Notre Dame to get beat by anyone, they will have to have a letdown. We hope their only two losses will be from us. We don’t want anyone to help us.”
