Behind Megan Sabbatini’s 12th shutout of the year, the San Benito softball team will play for its seventh-straight Central Coast Section Division I title on Saturday after beating Leland 4-0 at PAL Stadium in San Jose on Thursday.
Sabbatini was brilliant for the Balers, striking out nine batters and allowing only two hits over six innings.
On offense, the Balers were just as potent, grabbing eight hits against Leland. Despite the many hits, though, the Balers struggled to get the big one, leading only 1-0 until the sixth inning.
In the sixth, San Benito’s Britt Sparrer – who finished 3-for-3 – sparked the offense with a triple into the left-center-field gap to bring in two runners. Sparrer also scored the Balers’ final run, stealing home after a Leland pickoff attempt went array.
Ellie Burley, who scored the first run after being hit by a pitch in the first inning, was caught in a rundown in the sixth inning trying to steal second, allowing Sparrer to score standing up.
The Balers didn’t need much offense, though, as Sabbatini allowed only three runners into scoring position, including two in the first inning.
The first inning was the only time Sabbatini labored. Leland opened the game with a single and walk. The Chargers eventually loaded the bases before Kelsey Borello was called out at home on a ground ball to third.
Afterward, Sabbatini was untouchable. At one point the San Benito junior struck out five Chargers in a row.
The Balers will face No. 1 seed Carlmont at 12:30 p.m. Saturday at PAL Stadium.
Look for more on Thursday’s game soon.
