The Haybaler varsity softball team wanted to dispatch any
theories floating around that it couldn’t hit.
The Haybaler varsity softball team wanted to dispatch any theories floating around that it couldn’t hit.
San Benito opened up its season outscoring its opposition 37-7 in the first seven games, compiling a 6-1 record.
The Balers have played in the Valhalla Tournament and the Circle of Champions, losing just once in the final game of the Valhalla.
That game was a 3-2 loss to Carlmont. Pitcher Danielle Hernandez went the distance, striking out nine and giving up just two hits.
Nicole Burns hit a home run in that game to tie the score at 1-1 with two outs in the seventh inning.
“We had a feeling she was going to do it,” said coach Scott Smith. “She has a lot of power. They moved the outfield in, and I felt they were exposing themselves to tying the game up with one swing.”
The Balers are coming off a 1-0 win against Monte Vista in the Circle of Championship. But it has been the offense which has been getting it done. In the first two games of the tournament, San Benito defeated Harbor 8-0 and Westmont 6-2.
“Every team we have played we have felt we should have beat,” Smith said. “Our run production is far above what it was last year. We spent the first month of practice primarily working on our hitting. We should have given up two runs with our defense instead of seven. So it is kind of a tradeoff.”
Last year, San Benito was fifth in the league, averaging just a little more than two runs per game.
“With a few additions and the maturity of some of the kids on the team from last year, I definitely think we have more potential this year to be a better hitting team,” Smith said.
Smith is optimistic about having catcher Amy Baxter back in a couple of weeks. Baxter suffered a broken jaw after getting hit with a pitch during practice. Megan C. Smith, who can play several different positions, is filling in for her.
The Balers will open up their league schedule against a much-improved Live Oak squad, who is 4-3. Last year, the Acorns were 6-19 overall and 1-14 in TCAL.
San Benito will continue play in the Circle of Champions at 9 a.m. Saturday against Leigh.
If the Balers win, they will face Carlmont or Mitty for the right to go on to the championship game. The games will be at Twin Creeks.
