San Benito defeats Salinas 6-0, finishes off season against
Notre Dame on Thursday
The San Benito softball team continues to hammer the ball as it gets ready for the Central Coast Section playoffs.
The Haybalers defeated visiting Salinas 6-0 Tuesday and will finish up the regular season at first-place Notre Dame on Thursday.
Although Notre Dame clinched the league title after a couple Baler losses, the matchup always is a heated rivalry. The Spirits will come out even more fired up after losing their only game of the season in Hollister.
“Our expectations were to be playing for the league title,” said coach Scott Smith. “I have to take the blame. We’ve focused so much on offense this year, we have neglected our defense. The last week, we have really focused on our defense during practice. We want to make Thursday our best game of the year to try to get ready for CCS.”
Jenny Maheu (2 for 2 with 2 walks), Julie Broyer (2 for 3), Amy Baxter (2 for 3) and Rachelle Barrientos (3 for 3 with 2 RBIs) had strong games offensively.
Barrientos hit a line drive triple past the left fielder in the fourth inning and later scored on a hit by Maheu.
San Benito (22-7, 10-4 TCAL) got on the board early with two runs in the first inning and a run in the second inning.
Maheu led off with a walk and Broyer sacrificed her over. Hillary Williams reached on a ball that was misplayed. Baxter singled to drive in a run, and Williams scored on a throwing error to second base.
The Balers capped the scoring in the fifth inning with a single to left field by Barrientos that drove in Baxter and JT Temperino.
Danielle Hernandez, who had seven strikeouts, had a perfect game going into to the sixth inning before giving up a leadoff double – only her second extra-base hit of the year.
Salinas (7-17, 3-11 TCAL) got runners on with a couple Baler miscues, but San Benito got out of the inning without giving up a run. Both teams had two errors in the game.
The Balers will find out who they play in the seeding meeting Saturday. The team awards banquet will be Friday.
